New York Legalises Human Composting: The state of New York passed a statute that permits the composting of dead remains. The procedure, formally known as “natural organic reduction,” is considered a more environmentally responsible option than conventional burials.
Since 2019, New York has been the sixth state to have legalized human composting. Kathy Hochul, the governor, sanctioned the green burial practice.
The first US state to permit human body composting was Washington. Additionally, Colorado, Oregon, Vermont, and California all permit it.
How Does Human Composting Work?
Human composting is a predetermined process in specially designed, above-ground facilities. The body is placed in a sealed container containing various items, including woodchips, hay, and straw grass.
The bacteria in the vessel degrade and disintegrate the body after about a month. Additionally, a heating procedure is used to eradicate any contamination. The dirt, which can be used to cultivate flowers and plants securely, is then given to the deceased’s relatives.
Because it is said to have less of an environmental impact than burial or cremation, proponents of the human composting process think it is a viable substitute for such practices.
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The superintendent of central New York’s Greensprings Natural Cemetery Preserve, Michelle Menter, said, “We ought to do and encourage whatever we can to turn folks away from concrete liners, beautiful caskets, and embalming.”
A further supporter of human composting, Katrina Spade, stated that “cremation utilizes fossil fuels and burial uses a lot of lands and has a carbon imprint.” Recompose, a green funeral parlor in Seattle that already provides composting for the dead was founded by Spade.
Additionally, proponents of green burials assert that this practice can free up space in overcrowded cemeteries, particularly in heavily populated urban areas. According to a Washington-based service, the authorization of human composting in New York is “a big milestone for accessible green death care worldwide.”
Not everyone has supported the decision to legalize the procedure. People who belonged to specific religious groups, in particular, opposed the authorization of human composting.
The New York State Catholic Conference opposed the legislation and advised churchgoers to call on Governor Hochul to veto it. “A method that is completely good for returning vegetable trimmings to the land is not necessarily appropriate for human bodies,” said Dennis Proust, executive director of the Catholic charity.
Hochul legalizes ‘human composting’ for eco-friendly burials in New York https://t.co/jSHQpqHl68 pic.twitter.com/hY6T0LGRPT
— New York Post (@nypost) January 1, 2023
Proust continued that human beings are not household rubbish, and we do not think the procedure adheres to the criterion of respectful treatment for our earthly remains.
The method’ accompanying expenses have also been a source of worry. According to Recompose, it costs $7,000 to dispose of a person in this manner, which provides the composting option in Seattle. Stay tuned to Digitalnewsexpert.com for more updates.
