News Summary
Governor Brian Kemp has signed a law legalizing human composting in Georgia, making it one of the few states to adopt this eco-friendly alternative to burial and cremation. Set to take effect in 2024, this new legislation allows funeral homes to establish composting facilities, enabling families to use the resulting nutrient-rich soil for gardening and conservation. With a growing interest among residents, the law also addresses previous logistical and financial challenges associated with out-of-state composting, while ensuring the ethical management of remains.
Atlanta, Georgia – A new law has been signed by Governor Brian Kemp legalizing human composting in Georgia, making it one of just 13 states to embrace this eco-friendly alternative to traditional burial and cremation. The law, which is set to take effect on July 1, 2024, allows funeral homes and related businesses to establish composting facilities, thereby eliminating the need to transport bodies to states on the West Coast where human composting is currently permitted.
Human composting, also known as terramation, accelerates the natural decomposition process by using organic materials like wood chips, alfalfa, and straw. The outcome is nutrient-rich soil, which families can utilize for gardening, planting trees, or even donating to conservation efforts. This sustainable method of body disposition not only contributes positively to the environment but also offers a way for families to keep their loved ones’ memories alive in a living form.
Funeral director Michelle Arivette has noted a rising interest among families looking to use composted remains to enrich their gardens and yards. Her establishment, AS Turner and Sons, is collaborating with Recompose, a Washington-based company that operates one of the first human composting facilities. This partnership aims to pave the way for similar operations within Georgia, providing residents with a new end-of-life option.
The composting process involves wrapping the deceased in a biodegradable shroud and placing them in a vessel layered with organic materials. This environmentally conscious method is gaining traction, with proponents like Katrina Spade, founder and CEO of Recompose, supporting Georgia’s legislation as a valuable addition to sustainable burial options.
Prior to this law, funeral directors in Georgia faced high costs associated with shipping bodies to other states for composting, a process exceeding $5,000, considerably more than traditional cremation costs. Now, with local facilities anticipated to open, the financial burden may lessen, with expected prices for these services aligning more closely with traditional cremation costs.
Micah Truman, founder of Return Home, emphasized the emotional connection families can foster during the composting process. He noted that the ability to participate actively in transforming their loved ones into nourishing soil is both meaningful and therapeutic for many bereaved individuals.
Despite the positive reception, the legislation has encountered criticism. Concerns have been raised regarding the potential for disease transmission, although the companies involved have confirmed they will not accept bodies of individuals who died from severe infectious diseases. Additionally, the Catholic Church has voiced opposition, citing respect for human dignity as a central issue surrounding the practice of human composting.
The new law includes stringent requirements for composting facilities and mandates the State Board of Funeral Service to develop licensing guidelines aimed at ensuring the respectful treatment of remains. These regulations stipulate that organic human reduction will not be regarded as abandonment of a deceased person’s body, allowing remains to be returned naturally to the earth.
Georgia’s legislation follows similar measures in states such as California and Colorado, signaling a shift toward more sustainable funeral practices across the nation. With the legal framework for human composting established, various companies are now exploring business plans to set up facilities in Georgia. This regulatory change opens up new avenues for families seeking eco-friendly options for end-of-life care, presenting alternatives that honor both the deceased and the environment.
As the implementation date nears, families in Georgia will soon have access to a compassionate, environmentally responsible option for honoring their loved ones, fostering a connection to the earth that will last beyond their lives.
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Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First
- Wikipedia: Human Composting
- Atlanta Journal-Constitution
- Google Search: Human Composting Georgia
- WSB-TV
