Washington could become first state to legalize human composting

[BetteDavisEyes]

Washington could become the first state to legalize human composting

Washington residents "are very excited about the prospect of becoming a tree or having a different alternative,” state Sen. Jamie Pedersen said.
When Americans die, most are buried or cremated. Washington could soon become the first state to allow another option: human composting.

The novel approach, known as “recomposition,” involves placing bodies in a vessel and hastening their decomposition into a nutrient-dense soil that can then be returned to families...

 

[meanmaryjean]

I've already told my kids to wrap me in newspaper and set me on the curb for Tuesday trash pick-up....

 

[Indy Anna]

I like the thought of doing a better job of growing plants in death than I do now.

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

When my dear mother passed away in March, 2009, eight weeks after we lost our beloved Jack Russell Terrier, a group of friends sent DH and I a 10" Austrian Pine seedling. We kept the tiny tree on the kitchen counter until the weather warmed up and planted the seedling on Mother's Day using ashes from Mom and our JRT. Each year around Mother's Day, we forward a photo of the "little tree" to our friends. After nearly 10 years, the Austrian Pine is at least 10 feet tall.

 

[Jax49]

Natural "Green Burials" are already available in many states.

Green Burial, An Environmentally Friendly Choice - Funeral Consumers Alliance

Green Burial Cemeteries in the US and Canada

WHAT IF THERE’S NO GREEN CEMETERY NEARBY?

You can make any burial greener by eliminating embalming, and using a shroud or a biodegradable casket. Omit the vault if the cemetery will allow it. Otherwise, ask to use a concrete grave box with an open bottom, have holes drilled in the bottom of the vault, or invert the vault without its cover, so the body can return to the earth.

If you or your family members own rural property, home burial may be an option. Most states allow burial on private property, but each municipality has its own zoning requirements, so be sure to check and get the required permits. Keep in mind that unless you have established a family cemetery on your property, the land may be sold for other purposes, and the remains disturbed or rendered inaccessible.

 

[Catmommy]

Soylent Green is people