this post was submitted on 21 Dec 2023
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There's actually human composting now, too! (I'm a mortician)
Only certain states, right?
I catch ask a mortician on YouTube every once in a while. She's a big advocate of the composting and the water cremation.
Yup! Human composting is only legal in Vermont, California, Washington, Oregon, Colorado right now.
That channel gets enough wrong that I can't support it. The biggest thing wrong that I've heard a million times is that you don't have to be embalmed. If there is going to be a viewing, more than 48 hours after death, even just with next of kin; there, legally, has to be embalming to stop the biohazard risk in most states. If you want a direct burial or cremation, you don't need to be embalmed; but if the public will be around the deceased, embalming is almost always required. Even in those that aren't mandatory after 48 hours, there's a massive liability waiver because of how dangerous it is, and you won't be able to touch them without gloves.
Bummer that she gets things wrong like that. I mostly just watch her tell historical stories. She can spin a mighty entertaining yarn.
Oh definitely. I created a show after I had to stop mortuary work (genetic disability) because it's fascinating. I even ran the Wayne State University Funeral History Museum for 3 years.
Is human composting a mainstream option now, or only offered at select mortuaries?
It's allowed in Colorado, Vermont, Oregon, Washington, and California, so definitely becoming more widespread. I'm not sure if you need a specific mortuary, but the one I worked in Colorado (before the law passed) would work with all sorts of programs; Science Care (body donation), organ donation programs, the companies that turned your cremated remains into diamonds/glass art/coral reefs, the ones that shot cremated remains into space or had it mixed with fireworks or tattoo ink. There are a LOT of options for you postmortem 😅
Can you go into details?
Washington Colorado, California, Oregon and Vermont currently allow human composting, but the idea is spreading. Cremation, embalming, burials at a cemetery, even green burials are awful for the environment. They all require either chemicals, the use of gas, or the use of heavy machinery; sometimes all of them. The aforementioned states made it in such a way that you're giving back to the environment and it's a fuck ton cheaper. (Still need a Funeral home involved for transportation, biohazard protection, permits, government docs, etc. So it's not free, but much more affordable)