Reduce, reuse, recycle: greener option discussed as alternative to cremation or burial

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A bill that will allow for “human composting” has been re-introduced by Rep. Michelle McGaw and other representatives.

Last year, McGaw introduced legislation to allow natural organic reduction as an alternative to cremation or burial.

Since 2019, Washington, New York, and several other states have legalized this ceremonial practice.

McGaw shared in a previous statement:

“Natural organic reduction is a greener alternative that may be preferable for those concerned about how their final wishes affect the planet. I have constituents who would like to have this option available, so I introduced this bill to start the conversation about whether and how to offer this possibility in Rhode Island.”

Natural organic reduction is preformed indoors in specialized facilities that hold vessels where deceased bodies are placed along with organic matter, helping the natural decomposition process.

The chambers keep the vessels at a warm temperature, where contents are “blended” regularly over the course of several weeks. This process results in about one cubic year of nutrient-dense soil.

Official documents stated that if this bill passes in Rhode Island, the facilities would be licensed and regulated by the Department of Health which would be responsible for enforcing health and safety regulations.

Under the bill, once the process is complete, the resulting soil must be scattered in a cemetery designated garden, placed in a grave, or retrieved by the surviving family.

This unique design was made in efforts to reduce the impact on the earth from burial and cremation.

Burials involve occupying land and using resources like stone, wood, and other material. Cremation requires the burning of fossil fuel and results in average over 500 pounds of carbon in the atmosphere per cremation, official documents revealed.

The bill was re-introduced on Feb. 18, 2024.

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