New York Joins US States in Allowing Human Composting as an Eco-Friendly Alternative to Burial

York has become the latest us state to allow human composting, joining washington, colorado, oregon, vermont and california who have already legalised the process. this process involves a body decomposing over several weeks in a container with woodchips, alfalfa and straw grass. catholic bishops in new york reportedly opposed the legislation, arguing that human bodies should not be treated like “household waste”. human composting is already legal throughout sweden and natural burials are permitted in the uk.

Process of human composting was recently approved in new york, following the lead of five other us states who had already legalised it. human composting is also known as “natural organic reduction” and is seen as an environmentally friendly and practical option in cities where land for cemeteries is limited.

Process of human composting involves a body decomposing over several weeks in a container with woodchips, alfalfa and straw grass. after a period of around a month, loved ones are given the resulting soil which can be used for planting flowers, vegetables or trees. the practice is seen as an environmentally friendly option as it can save a tonne of carbon compared with a cremation or a traditional burial, which consume wood, land and other natural resources. emissions of carbon dioxide are a major contributor to climate change, so human composting is seen as a way to reduce these emissions.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-64140571?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA

By Evey Lovelace

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