Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — The traditional options for handling human remains such as burial or cremation are now facing competition from a more environmentally friendly alternative: human composting.
In recent years, the idea of turning human bodies into compost has gained traction as a sustainable solution. Advocates claim that human composting has a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to cremation and eliminates the need for chemicals used in traditional embalming practices.
Human composting accelerates the natural decomposition process, allowing the body to return to the earth more quickly. Experts compare it to what naturally happens on a forest floor, but in a controlled setting that expedites the process.
Unlike traditional burials, where bodies take years to break down, human composting transforms remains into nutrient-rich soil within weeks. The resulting compost is packed with beneficial microorganisms that can be used to fertilize plants and restore ecosystems.
Growing Adoption
For decades, cremation has been the most cost-effective option for handling human remains, with approximately 60% of Americans opting for it, according to the Cremation Association of North America. Cremation remains popular because it is more affordable and convenient than traditional burials, which can be costly.
According to a study conducted by the National Funeral Directors Association in 2023, the average cost for burial in the United States is approximately $8,300 (not including the burial plot itself, which can range from the hundreds to the tens of thousands) and the average cost for cremation is $6,280.
Meanwhile, the human composting process is priced at approximately $7,000. Although still more expensive than cremation, many are drawn to composting’s environmental benefits.
A Greener Choice
Cremation relies on natural gas to fuel the high-temperature furnaces that incinerate bodies, releasing significant carbon emissions. The process is a major contributor to climate change, as it increases greenhouse gas levels.
In contrast, human composting produces far fewer emissions. U.S.-based company Recompose, a pioneer in the industry, claims that each composting process saves about one ton of carbon compared to cremation or traditional burial.
Supporters argue that human composting is not just environmentally responsible but also practical in urban areas where cemetery space is increasingly scarce.
The Process of Human Composting
According to CNN Indonesia, the composting process takes place in specialized facilities. The deceased is wrapped in a biodegradable shroud and placed in a long metal capsule filled with a mix of wood chips, mulch, and wildflowers.
As the body decomposes, it releases nitrogen, which combines with carbon from the organic materials, creating the ideal conditions for microbes to break down the remains at a molecular level.
Within 45 days, the body is fully transformed into nutrient-rich compost. Families can choose to take home the compost or donate it to conservation projects in need of soil enrichment.
Legalization and Ethical Considerations
Human composting is gaining legal recognition across the U.S. Since Washington became the first state to legalize the practice in 2019, 12 other states have followed suit, with legislation pending in eight more. New York recently became the sixth state to approve human composting, after its governor signed the bill into law.
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Despite its growing acceptance, human composting continues to spark ethical debates. While some view it as a groundbreaking, sustainable solution, others question the morality of using human remains in agriculture.
As society grapples with climate change and limited burial space, composting is emerging as a potential answer to the future of funeral practices. Whether it becomes a mainstream choice remains to be seen, but its rising popularity suggests a shift in how people think about life, death, and sustainability.
(Raidi/Agung)
