Biological Human Composting: A General Overview

Composting the remains of a deceased person into rich soil is now permissible in a few states. It has been legalized in a number of states, and a number of other states are currently considering legislation to do the same. Yes, cremation services in Morgan County, IN help with cremation services; however, this new method of body disposal is worth considering. The death care industry is buzzing about this new method of disposing of bodies, and this is all you need to know about it. 

What is Human Composting? 

In more official settings, the process of human composting is referred to as "natural organic reduction." Composting the human body is an option that should be considered if you seek an alternative to traditional burial or cremation that is less harmful to the environment. 

Why Would a Person Want to be Composted? 

Under normal circumstances, people can think it weird that a person wishes to be composted after death. However, the prospect of getting to rejoin the natural cycle might be a beautiful concept to some. Composting the remains of the deceased might help a forest grow. Most believe that the remains of the dead are quite useless, except to be donated to science. Why not compost the body and use it in growing the forest, seeing as a forest can be of utmost importance to the living? By composting the deceased's remains, protagonists of this method believe humanity is not being wasteful and is doing its bit in giving back to the earth. 

How Does Composting the Human Body Work? 

At most facilities offering this kind of service, the deceased's body is placed inside a metal cylinder coupled with alfalfa, wood chips, and straw in a metal cylinder. For 30 days, this mixture is kept in the container. Natural bacteria in the human body and organic material in the vessel boost the temperature to 150 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing the remnants, such as teeth and bone, to be broken down into soft soil. When the mixture has dried for a few weeks, it's ready to go out. 

On Average, How Much Compost Do Human Bodies Produce? 

A person's body may produce enough soil to fill a pickup truck if it is supplemented with plant materials. Families of the deceased can take the entire soil load with them or donate the rest to a land trust, which uses the soil for reforestation. 

Before Composition, Can a Viewing or a Funeral Be Held? 

The body of a deceased needs to be embalmed before a viewing can occur. Embalming is a method that involves using chemicals to preserve a dead person's body. It is not possible to embalm bodies that are going to be composted. Composting does not work very well with the chemicals used in embalming. Memorial services for the deceased can be held at a facility that offers composting services available to the dead person's family members. These services take place before the body is placed in a composting vessel. 

Human composting is a new trend in the death care industry, and settling for this option can be a little uneasy for the family of the deceased. However, cremation services in Morgan County, IN offer the best cremation services to families seeking such help.