What is Human Composting?

Does composting human remains have a positive effect on our environment?

By Laura Rodriguez
Updated on August 23, 2023
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by By sorapop

The 2022 NDFA Consumer Study findings showed 60.4% of people planning their funerals aged forty and over are interested in exploring green funeral options like human composting. The Green Burial Council lists, as of May 7, 2023, 418 green burial cemeteries in the United States and Canada. The council defines a green burial with the following four characteristics: caring for the dead with the minimal environmental impact that aids in the conservation of natural resources, reduction of carbon emissions, protection of worker health, and restoration and/or preservation of habitat.

How We Approach Burials is Changing.

According to the 2022 National Directors Funeral Association (NDFA) Cremation and Burial Report, cremations are projected to rise from 1.9 million in 2022 to 2.94 million in 2040, with burials decreasing from 1.3 million in 2020 to 608,200 in 2040. For comparison, cremations stood at 1 million in 2010, with burials at 1.3 million.

Urn for cremated remains with yellow roses, at an outdoor funeral.

What is Human Composting?

Beautiful view of the green cemetery in the forest.
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