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Science Vs
The Best Ever Episode of Science Vs
Aug 24, 2023
Brie Smith, Micah Truman, Katrina Spade, and Thomas Bass discuss the impact and process of composting human bodies. They explore the environmental benefits, legal issues, and efforts to legalize human composting. They also touch on pathogen survival and safety concerns surrounding the practice.
44:13
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Quick takeaways
- Human composting offers an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional burial and cremation methods, avoiding the release of carbon into the atmosphere and returning nutrients to the earth.
- Microbes play a crucial role in human composting, breaking down organic matter and generating heat to promote decomposition, while proper management and testing minimize risks.
Deep dives
Human composting as an eco-friendly alternative to burial and cremation
Human composting offers an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional burial and cremation methods. It involves placing a body in an individual vessel with a mix of carbon-rich materials like alfalfa, straw, and wood chips. Over the course of a few months, microbes break down the body, transforming it into nutrient-rich soil. This process has gained popularity due to its positive environmental impact, as it avoids the release of carbon into the atmosphere from cremation and offers a sustainable way to return carbon and nutrients to the earth. Human composting facilities carefully manage the process, ensuring the right balance of heat, moisture, oxygen, and carbon and regularly testing for harmful bacteria. Studies have shown that compost piles can effectively kill many pathogens, making human composting a safe option if properly managed.
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