Should We Compost Human Bodies?

Green Death

The green death movement is gaining momentum as people seek environmentally friendly ways to handle human remains. Brie Smith, a funeral director, highlights the environmental drawbacks of traditional methods like cremation and embalming. She notes that cremation releases significant CO2 and harmful metals into the atmosphere, while embalming involves carcinogenic chemicals 1.

When we burn bodies, the carbon inside us goes up into the air. It's estimated that in the US, cremation emits about a billion pounds of CO2 each year.

--- Brie Smith

Human composting offers a greener alternative, rapidly turning bodies into nutrient-rich soil that can be used for gardening or land restoration 1.

   

Legal & Social

Legal and social acceptance of human composting is growing, with several states in the US now allowing this practice. Katrina Spade played a pivotal role in legalizing human composting in Washington by lobbying lawmakers and demonstrating the process's feasibility 2.

The day that the governor signed the bill, I had my kids in little suits. I was in a suit. My girlfriend was there with me. And we're standing like, you get your official picture with the governor as he is signing the bill.

--- Katrina Spade

Despite its growing acceptance, concerns remain about the safety of composted human remains, particularly regarding potential disease transmission 2.