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What began as an exciting project, and then became a new venture, is now the subject of a bill submitted to the Washington State Legislature.
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Senate Bill 5001 would allow human composting, also known as "recomposition" in Washington, KIRO-TV reported. Katrina Spade is the CEO of "Recompose", the company that wants to be the first to build a human composting facility.
"There are really only two options for our death: cremation and burial. None of these options seemed particularly meaningful to me and I think if that's the case, it's true for others too.
Spade has spent years seeking support for human composting, most recently with Lynne Carpenter, Ph.D., of the Department of Soil Science of the University of Washington State.
"They have already done a lot of research on safe and effective ways to recycle animals on dry land."
A process familiar to large farming communities in Washington has been the subject of a new study at the WSU, using the bodies of six human donors. "We have proven that the recomposition is actually safe and effective for humans."
The process is probably more environmentally friendly in a state where 70 percent of people choose cremation.
"The recomposition uses 1 / 8th of the energy of cremation and saves a little over a ton of carbon dioxide per person who chooses it, so that's quite significant, "Spade told KIRO 7.
The process would be carried out in special facilities, where the body would be transported after death.
Spade explained how the process works: "The body is covered with natural materials, such as straw or wood chips, and breaks down in the ground for about three to seven weeks.
During this time, families will be able to visit the facilities and, in the end, receive the remaining soil to use as they please. "And if they do not want this soil, we will partner with local conservation groups around the Puget Sound area to feed the land of the state," said Spade.
In terms of costs, the average burial can cost between $ 8,000 and $ 25,000. Cremation can cost up to $ 6,000. Spade expects Recompose to charge about $ 5,500.
Leslie Christian is one of the thousands of people who have expressed interest in the recomposition.
"The recomposition is much more attractive to me from the point of view of the environment and the emotional point of view." received mixed reactions that could be expected from an idea of an alternative to traditional choices at the end of life.
She said her brother had told her, "Oh, great, you can plant tomatoes in me," and a friend said, "Oh, ick.
"Sometimes people just have to think about it. It is neither strange nor strange for a body to return to the earth in a very natural way, "said Christian.
She and her partner have already modified their estate plan to choose a reorganization if it becomes legal.
During recent legislative hearings, Spade shared letters of support from religious leaders throughout the state. "I have spoken with many religious leaders of the state for whom this option is really useful and could very well suit their congregation," she said.
She said it was important to talk to funeral industry leaders.
"They have been serving families for decades and therefore understand what they know about how family desires have changed in recent decades and how best to serve people – these are important things we need to understand." said Spade.
For Christian and Spade, the idea of recomposition also opened the discussion on a subject that is not always easy.
"I think we have a large population of aging baby boomers who are seeing their parents dying and thinking," Is this the best life experience my mom or dad could have had? " "Spade said.
Christian agrees, "I realized that conversations about death make my life a lot happier and more rewarding, and I think it's an essential part of what the world needs.
The State Senate adopted SB 5001 on January 30th. A complementary bill is currently being adopted by the House of Representatives.
If the bill reaches the governor's office, Spade hopes to start designing the facility by 2020.
© 2019 Cox Media Group.
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