
Today, Explained
Compost yourself
Jan 17, 2023
Eleanor Cummins, a freelance science journalist specializing in death care, teams up with Tanya Marsh, a law professor focused on funeral and cemetery law. They dive into the rising trend of human composting, now legalized in six states, presenting a sustainable alternative to burial and cremation. The conversation highlights historical shifts in death customs and addresses public perceptions of composting. With personal anecdotes and insights into the environmental benefits, they explore how society is reimagining death in an eco-friendly way.
27:06
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Quick takeaways
- Human composting offers a greener burial option using organic materials for natural decomposition.
- The funeral industry adapts to eco-friendly burial methods and changing consumer preferences.
Deep dives
Human Composting as an Eco-Friendly Burial Option
New York State recently legalized human composting, offering families a greener burial option. This method involves placing the body in a chamber with organic materials like alfalfa and sawdust, allowing microbes to decompose it naturally. Families receive several hundred pounds of soil after the process, which can be used for gardening or conservation purposes.
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