When someone dies, it is very important in our culture to give them a respectful last rites. Normally, we either bury them or cremate them. But there is now a buzz around the world about a newer, more environmentally friendly alternative. That is, composting human bodies and turning them into fertile soil. While this may sound a bit strange, let's talk about it in detail.
What is this human composting?
Composting is not new to us. It is a concept similar to the way we collect vegetable peels and leftovers from our kitchen and make compost. Simply put, human composting is the process of allowing the body of a deceased person to decompose under the action of natural microorganisms, turning it into nutritious soil.
This is medically known as 'Natural Organic Reduction' (NOR). It is part of the broader concept of 'green burial'. This refers to methods that minimize the environmental impact of funerals. For example, burying the body without using chemicals, and using coffins made of biodegradable materials.
What are the advantages of this method?
There are two main advantages to this method. One is the service it provides to the environment. The other is that it is less expensive than traditional methods.
Environmental benefits
The funeral practices we usually follow have some impact on the environment.
- Burial: Embalming fluids used to preserve bodies contain toxic chemicals that can leach into soil and groundwater over time.
- Cremation: When cremated, a large amount of energy is required to burn the body. Also, the process releases greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere.
But these problems are avoided when composting humans.
This method is not about adding something harmful to the environment, but about creating something that enriches the soil and helps new life grow. Compost increases the soil's ability to retain water, and also provides good nutrition for trees and plants.
Financial benefits
Even in our country, funerals are a significant expense. From the coffin to the funeral services, a lot of money is spent. Cremation is also expensive. However, according to data from companies that have introduced this method around the world, the cost of human composting is relatively low.
The table below makes the difference between these methods more clear.
| Funeral method | Environmental impact | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional burial | Toxic chemicals in embalming fluids can accumulate in soil and water. | The body slowly decomposes. |
| Cremation | A lot of energy is consumed. Gases such as carbon dioxide are released into the atmosphere. | Turns gray. |
| Human composting | There are no harmful chemicals or gases released into the environment. | Nutritious, fertile soil is created. |
How does this process happen?
This process is a well -controlled , multi-step process.
1. Placing the body in a container: First, the body of the deceased is placed in a specially designed, reusable steel container.
2. Adding organic matter: Next, we add carbon-rich materials to this container, specifically wood chips, straw, and alfalfa. Did you know? When this carbon combines with the nitrogen in our bodies, it creates the best environment for the natural bacteria and fungi that help in the decomposition process.
3. Temperature and air control: The container is sealed and the temperature inside is carefully monitored . Due to the decomposition process, the temperature naturally rises to between 55-70 degrees Celsius (130-160 Fahrenheit). This high temperature kills any harmful microorganisms that may be present in the body. Oxygen is also supplied as needed.
4. Soil: This entire process takes about 30-45 days. At the end of this time, the body is completely decomposed, turning into dark, odorless, nutritious soil. The amount of this soil is about a cubic yard.
5. Ensuring safety: Before giving this soil to the family, a sample is sent to a laboratory to confirm that there are no harmful bacteria, for example `(E. coli)` or `(Salmonella)`.
What do you do with this soil?
This is the most beautiful and touching part of this concept. The soil created is given to the family.
Imagine, using the soil from a loved one, you plant a tree in their name. As the tree grows, it provides shade for birds and animals, and oxygen for the environment. It's like a living memorial, isn't it? Instead of a traditional grave, family and friends can come to this tree and reflect on those memories. It's a very meaningful thing that changes the way we look at death.
Does this system exist in Sri Lanka?
This is an important question that many people have. Currently, this system is not in use in Sri Lanka. This is still a new thing that has been legalized and implemented in some countries of the world, especially in several states in the United States of America.
But, as a society that cares about the environment and talks about new things, it is very important to be aware of such ways that we can do good for the environment even after death. This gives us an opportunity to think anew about the end of our lives and what we leave behind in this world.
Take-Home Message
- 'Human Composting' is an environmentally friendly method of naturally decomposing the body of a deceased person and turning it into nutritious soil.
- This is considered a much less environmentally damaging alternative to traditional burial and cremation.
- The soil created by this process can be used to plant a new tree, like a 'living memorial' to a loved one.
- Although this method is not currently in use in Sri Lanka, it is an important concept that is being discussed around the world and that inspires us to think in new ways about protecting the environment.
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