Ashes to ashes, compost to compost.
A bill that will legalize human composting was recently signed for approval in Oregon.
KOIN-TV reports that the state’s governor, Kate Brown, signed the bill last week, officiating legislation that would allow for what’s considered a “green” and environmentally friendly ways to say goodbye to our dearly beloved.
According to Green Matters, human composting (also known as “natural organic reduction”) converts the remains of a person into soil. Sierra Club further elaborates that the body’s remains are naturally broken down along with other organic materials such as wood.
Since it doesn’t burn carbon like a cremation would or take up space like traditional burial, many view human composting as a way of saying goodbye to a loved one without negatively impacting the environment.
While supporters of such burials praise the beneficial impact it may have on the Earth itself, the bill’s co-sponsor, Rep. Pam March of Southern Jackson County, admits that human composting has a moneymaking side.
“My colleagues could see as well that in addition to providing families with a choice, it is also a business opportunity,” she stated.
The Independent continues to report how living family members may take their composted departed back home or donate it to conservation lands. The practice has already been legalized in Washington state as of 2019, with others such as Colorado and New York looking to get in on the trend.
This legislation will go into effect starting July 1, 2022.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
