Natural Way To Go? California Could Legalise Human Composting Soon

The conventional modes of laying a deceased person to rest like cremations and burials are not considered environment-friendly.

Now, the US state of California is trying to change that.

'Natural organic reduction'

A new bill being considered by the California Senate would essentially allow people to decide what happens with their bodies, moving beyond the conventional modes of burial and cremation.

Recompose

People may soon be able to opt for "natural organic reduction", which is essentially human composting. The draft legislation was introduced for the second time by California Assembly's Cristina Garcia in February.

If passed, California would become the fourth US state to legalise human composting.

Also read: This US State Just Legalized Composting Of Dead Bodies, And Why India Should Do The Same

The human composting project was created by a company called Recompose, the Los Angeles Magazine reported.

Although the thought of letting one's body decompose after death may make most people queasy, the environment-friendly mode of closure could gain mainstream relevance, especially given the extreme effects of climate change taking seat.

Currently, Californians can opt to be buried or cremated - by either water or fire.

'A literal return to Earth'

Environmentally conscious folks are now looking for better ways to deal with their physical selves after demise. According to Recompose's Outreach Manager Anna Swenson, the "natural organic reduction allows a literal return to the Earth".

Also read: Watch: Bear Strolls Through Supermarket In California Leading Panicked Customers To Scurry For Cover

Swenson told The Guardian that some people "like the idea of being in a forest when they die".

Recompose

What does human composting entail?

When a human body is put through natural organic reduction, the corpse is surrounded with straw, wood, alfalfa before it is placed in an airy metal chamber.

According to The Guardian, a single month after this process is initiated, the bones start to break down into nutrient-rich soil.

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The process is good for the environment, for a single cycle prevents one metric ton of carbon dioxide from entering the Earth's atmosphere.

Also read: Saving Delhi From Crop Burn Pollution By Turning It To Compost

In this nature-aided process, no fossil fuels are burnt during cremation and greenhouse gases are isolated in the soil.

Would you be okay with nature taking control of your body after your death? Let us know in the comments.