No, we’re not joking.
Washington (the state, not Washington D.C.) is only one approval signature away from becoming the first in the US to allow the “natural organic reduction” of human remains.
The environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional burial involves placing bodies in a chamber that accelerates the composition process – turning them into nutrient-packed soil within weeks.
The soil is then returned to the deceased’s family and can be used to help plant trees or revitalise a garden.
If approved by Governor Jay Inslee – an environmentalist who has built his 2020 presidential campaign on climate change issues – the bill would come into effect May next year.
And there’s already a market for this (slightly creepy) process – Recompose is a company created by Katrina Spade that specialises in ‘natural reduction’ burials. If the law is passed, Ms Spade says she plans to charge $5,500 USD per body.
Given the average Australian traditional casket funeral can cost up to $15,000 – that’s a pretty good deal.
