Eco-Conscious Even in Death: The Rise of Green Burials and Human Composting
The increasing demand for eco-friendly burial alternatives has fueled the popularity of "green burials" and "human composting" practices, which promote complete decomposition of the body and allow for natural return to the soil.
Traditional burial procedures require toxic chemicals during the embalming process, causing harm to soil and water systems, while green burials and human composting only use biodegradable substances.
Human composting is legal in a handful of US states, and its use of biodegradable materials makes it cost-effective and more environmentally friendly than traditional burials.
The National Funeral Director's Association has reported a growing interest in green funeral options, with 60.5% of individuals interested in 2022, up from 55.7% the previous year.
Some funeral homes are hesitant to provide human composting services, while others are assessing the theological considerations of alternative burial practices.
The Church of England is considering green burial options such as human composting to help meet its net-zero target.
The first people to sign up for human composting pre-planning services in Seattle were under 35 years old, highlighting the appeal of environmentally conscious burial practices to younger generations.
The human composting industry, like the cannabis industry, faces challenges in obtaining traditional financing without federal legalization.
The popularity of green burials and human composting is likely to continue growing as more people prioritize environmental consciousness and seek alternative, sustainable methods for disposing of human remains.
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