A Sustainable End-of-Life Option
Human composting, also known as natural organic reduction (NOR), is emerging as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional burial and cremation. While it’s already available in Washington and Colorado, California is set to offer this option starting in 2027. This groundbreaking process allows human bodies to be transformed into nutrient-rich soil, providing a meaningful way to return to the earth and support the environment even after death.
What Is Human Composting?
Human composting is the process of turning human remains into soil through natural decomposition. The practice involves placing the body in a vessel filled with organic materials like wood chips, straw, and alfalfa. Over the course of about two months, natural microbial activity breaks down the body, creating approximately one cubic yard of soil — enough to fill the bed of a pickup truck.
The process is designed to mimic and accelerate the natural decomposition that would occur if a body were buried in the ground. However, human composting takes place in a controlled environment where temperature, moisture, and aeration are carefully monitored to speed up the breakdown of organic matter. The end result is a nutrient-rich soil that can be used to nourish plants, trees, and gardens.
Why Human Composting Matters
Traditional burial and cremation both come with significant environmental costs. Burials require large amounts of land, and embalming fluids can leach harmful chemicals into the soil and groundwater. Cremation, on the other hand, releases about 540 pounds of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere per body — the equivalent of a 500-mile car trip. Human composting offers a greener alternative that reduces the environmental impact while creating something beneficial for the planet.
By choosing human composting, individuals can contribute to the health of the planet in a tangible way. The soil created from the process can be returned to the family for personal use or donated to local forests and conservation projects. This gives families the opportunity to see their loved ones’ remains contribute to the growth of new life.
How Human Composting Works
The process of human composting typically follows these steps:
- Preparation – The body is placed in a biodegradable shroud and laid in a specially designed vessel with a mixture of organic materials, such as wood chips, straw, and alfalfa.
- Decomposition – The vessel is maintained at an optimal temperature, and oxygen is introduced to encourage microbial activity. Over the next 30 to 60 days, microbes and beneficial bacteria break down the body, including bones and tissues.
- Resting Period – After the initial decomposition, the soil is allowed to “rest” and mature for a few weeks to ensure it is safe and stable for use.
- Return to Family or Donation – The final product, approximately one cubic yard of nutrient-rich soil, is offered to the family for use in gardens or landscaping, or it can be donated to a forest or other conservation project.
Legal Status of Human Composting
Washington became the first state to legalize human composting in 2019, followed by Colorado and Oregon. California approved the practice in 2022, but it will not become available until 2027 due to the time needed to establish proper regulations and infrastructure.
California’s size and population mean that the availability of human composting could have a significant environmental impact. Given the state’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and supporting sustainable practices, human composting fits naturally into California’s broader environmental goals.
Environmental Benefits of Human Composting
Human composting offers several key environmental benefits:
- Reduces Carbon Footprint – Human composting generates fewer carbon emissions than cremation and eliminates the need for concrete burial vaults, metal caskets, and embalming chemicals.
- Restores Soil Health – The nutrient-rich soil created through composting can be used to replenish soil health, support plant growth, and improve biodiversity.
- Preserves Land – Traditional cemeteries require large amounts of land, which is becoming increasingly scarce in urban areas. Human composting allows remains to be returned to nature without taking up additional space.
- Reduces Pollution – Embalming fluids used in traditional burials often contain formaldehyde and other chemicals that can leach into the soil and groundwater. Composting avoids this problem entirely.
Personal and Spiritual Benefits
Beyond the environmental advantages, human composting also offers emotional and spiritual benefits. Many people find comfort in the idea of returning to the earth and contributing to new life. For families, knowing that their loved one’s remains will help nourish a tree or a garden can be a source of peace and connection.
Human composting also allows for greater flexibility in memorializing a loved one. The soil produced can be scattered in a meaningful location, used to plant a memorial tree, or integrated into a family garden. This creates a lasting tribute that continues to give back to the earth for years to come.
Challenges and Considerations
While human composting is a promising option, it does come with some challenges:
- Cost – Human composting is expected to cost between $4,000 and $7,000, which is comparable to the cost of a traditional burial or cremation.
- Regulatory Hurdles – California’s rollout of human composting will require new infrastructure and oversight to ensure the process meets health and safety standards.
- Religious and Cultural Sensitivities – Some religious and cultural groups may have concerns about the practice, which could limit its acceptance in certain communities.
The Future of Human Composting in California
As California prepares to introduce human composting in 2027, demand for this eco-friendly option is expected to grow. With increasing awareness of environmental issues and a shift toward sustainable living, human composting aligns with broader societal trends toward eco-conscious decision-making.
California’s decision to legalize human composting reflects a growing recognition that death care needs to evolve to meet modern environmental and social challenges. By choosing human composting, individuals can leave a legacy that honors their life and supports the planet’s health for future generations.
Conclusion
Human composting offers a meaningful and sustainable alternative to traditional burial and cremation. Transforming human remains into nutrient-rich soil provides a way to give back to the earth and support future growth. With California set to offer human composting starting in 2027, residents will soon have the opportunity to make a final contribution to the planet — one that nurtures life even after death.
