New “Human Composting” Law Takes Effect in Arizona

Envrionmental-Ish

In recent years, it's become more difficult for me to use something once and then throw it away after only about an hour of use. If the item degrades, it could spend decades rotting in a landfill, which doesn't make much sense to me anymore.

Take plastic, single-use straws, for example. I'm sure I'm not making a massive impact on the environment by rejecting them in restaurants, but it just doesn't seem necessary to use them anymore when I'm sitting down and can drink from the edge of the cup.

READ: Can You Legally Scatter Cremated Ashes in the Grand Canyon?

Now, I believe everyone has the right to make their own decisions about this. I'm not a rigid environmentalist, but I believe we impact the world, and it's just something I think about a lot these days. I know this is a hot-button issue on both sides of the spectrum, and I tend to take a more middle-of-the-road approach.

Rethinking Traditional Burial in Arizona

Another thing that's been bothering me about "single-use-forever-in-the-environment" thinking is what will happen to my remains when I'm no longer using them. I know this is a sensitive subject, too, but I've never been keen on having a casket in the ground. Not to mention the forever chemicals that go along with the process. Just like that plastic straw, it just doesn't make much sense to me.

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Traditional burials generally use embalming chemicals and non-biodegradable materials, which have an impact on the environment. Cremation always seemed a better choice, but I learned that the process releases carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the air.

I mean, if I'm not using plastic straws, why would I choose either of these options?

READ: If You Can't Pay, Can a Funeral Home Hold Remains in Arizona?

Arizona's New "Eco-Friendly Burials"

The state of Arizona is finally legalizing a groundbreaking alternative: natural organic reduction (NOR). NOR, also known as human composting, is much more eco-friendly than traditional burial or cremation.

The process involves placing human remains in a temperature-controlled vessel with organic materials like straw, alfalfa, and woodchips. Special bacteria, fungi, and protozoa are introduced to help break down the body into nutrient-rich soil.

Ultimately, you're left with a compost residue that can be used to nurture trees and plants. Imagine "living on" as a tree or a series of plants to share with loved ones.

A Living Legacy in Arizona

Whether you're an adamant environmentalist or someone who sees the practical side of not taking up space in a cemetery, you can be more gentle with what remains after you're gone. And if you're sentimental and want to give loved ones something to remember you by, this natural "burial process" is now an option in Arizona.

The Arizona governor signed the new law in April, and it goes into effect this weekend.

Sources: Cronkite News | Tucson Elder Law | Newsweek