Editorial note: this article was written in 2023. For the current legal position, see our latest updates on the campaign.

A Step Closer to Legalisation: Updates on the Campaign for Human Composting in the UK

Human composting, also known as natural organic reduction (NOR), is a sustainable alternative to traditional burial and cremation. It is a process that uses microorganisms to break down human remains into nutrient-rich soil in about 30 days. Human composting is currently illegal in the UK, but there is a growing campaign to legalize it. In 2022, the Alkaline Earth Society, a UK-based organization that promotes human composting, submitted a petition to the UK government calling for the legalization of the practice. There are a number of reasons why people are interested in human composting. Some people believe that it is a more environmentally friendly option than traditional burial or cremation. Traditional burial requires the use of a large amount of land and resources, such as concrete, steel, and embalming fluid. Cremation also produces harmful emissions. Human composting, on the other hand, requires no land or resources, and it produces nutrient-rich soil that can be used to fertilise plants. Other people are interested in human composting because they believe it is a more respectful way to dispose of human remains. Traditional burial and cremation can be seen as isolating and impersonal. Human composting, on the other hand, allows people to return to the earth in a natural way. The campaign to legalize human composting in the UK is gaining momentum. With the government’s consideration of the issue, it is possible that human composting will soon be a legal option for UK residents. If you are interested in learning more about human composting, there are a number of resources available online. The Alkaline Earth Society website has a wealth of information about the practice, and there are also a number of articles and blog posts available. You can also contact the Alkaline Earth Society directly for more information. Human composting is a sustainable and respectful way to dispose of human remains. If you are looking for an alternative to traditional burial or cremation, human composting may be a good option for you.

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.  Sign up to find out more