The environmental benefits of human composting

Credit: CNBC

As the world becomes increasingly conscious of the need for sustainable and eco-friendly practices, human composting, also known as terramation or natural organic reduction, is emerging as a viable alternative to traditional burial and cremation methods. In the UK, this environmentally friendly approach to end-of-life care offers numerous benefits, including reducing carbon emissions and replenishing the earth with nutrient-rich soil. In this blog post, we will explore the environmental advantages of human composting in the UK and discuss the growing interest in this innovative practice.

 

Reducing Carbon Emissions

One of the most significant environmental benefits of human composting is its potential to reduce carbon emissions. According to Axios, human composting reportedly lowers the usual carbon output of traditional processes by 1.2 metric tons. In comparison to cremation, which requires a considerable amount of energy and releases greenhouse gases, terramation is a low-energy process that produces little to no greenhouse gases.

Furthermore, human composting eliminates the need for embalming chemicals, caskets, and burial vaults – items that contribute to the carbon footprint of conventional burials. By opting for terramation, we can substantially decrease the environmental impact of end-of-life care and support efforts to combat climate change.

 

Replenishing the Earth with Nutrient-Rich Soil

Human composting not only helps to reduce carbon emissions but also contributes to the regeneration of the earth’s soil. The terramation process transforms human remains into nutrient-rich soil that can be used to nourish plants, trees, and gardens, providing a literal return to the earth.

Katrina Spade, the founder of Recompose, shared with Axios that her company has held 200 composting ceremonies and has over 1,200 customers paying monthly installments for future services. This growing interest in human composting demonstrates an increased awareness of the environmental benefits and a desire to contribute positively to the planet.

 

Creating a Sustainable Future

As the UK continues to seek sustainable solutions across various aspects of life, the adoption of environmentally friendly practices such as human composting is essential. By choosing terramation, we can honour our loved ones while also caring for the earth and fostering a cultural shift towards eco-consciousness.

 

Human composting offers a compelling alternative to traditional burial and cremation methods, with numerous environmental benefits. By reducing carbon emissions and returning nutrient-rich soil to the earth, terramation contributes to a greener, more sustainable future. As awareness of the environmental advantages of human composting continues to grow in the UK, we can expect to see a continued shift towards this eco-friendly approach to end-of-life care.

Are you interested in a natural, more sustainable funeral?

Right now, human composting and terramation are not legal in the UK. But we want to change that. Add your voice to our Close the Circle campaign and help more people give back to the Earth at the end of life. 

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