Yup! Human composting is only legal in Vermont, California, Washington, Oregon, Colorado right now.
That channel gets enough wrong that I can’t support it. The biggest thing wrong that I’ve heard a million times is that you don’t have to be embalmed. If there is going to be a viewing, more than 48 hours after death, even just with next of kin; there, legally, has to be embalming to stop the biohazard risk in most states. If you want a direct burial or cremation, you don’t need to be embalmed; but if the public will be around the deceased, embalming is almost always required. Even in those that aren’t mandatory after 48 hours, there’s a massive liability waiver because of how dangerous it is, and you won’t be able to touch them without gloves.
Oh definitely. I created a show after I had to stop mortuary work (genetic disability) because it’s fascinating. I even ran the Wayne State University Funeral History Museum for 3 years.
Washington Colorado, California, Oregon and Vermont currently allow human composting, but the idea is spreading. Cremation, embalming, burials at a cemetery, even green burials are awful for the environment. They all require either chemicals, the use of gas, or the use of heavy machinery; sometimes all of them. The aforementioned states made it in such a way that you’re giving back to the environment and it’s a fuck ton cheaper. (Still need a Funeral home involved for transportation, biohazard protection, permits, government docs, etc. So it’s not free, but much more affordable)
It’s allowed in Colorado, Vermont, Oregon, Washington, and California, so definitely becoming more widespread. I’m not sure if you need a specific mortuary, but the one I worked in Colorado (before the law passed) would work with all sorts of programs; Science Care (body donation), organ donation programs, the companies that turned your cremated remains into diamonds/glass art/coral reefs, the ones that shot cremated remains into space or had it mixed with fireworks or tattoo ink. There are a LOT of options for you postmortem 😅
There’s actually human composting now, too! (I’m a mortician)
Only certain states, right?
I catch ask a mortician on YouTube every once in a while. She’s a big advocate of the composting and the water cremation.
Yup! Human composting is only legal in Vermont, California, Washington, Oregon, Colorado right now.
That channel gets enough wrong that I can’t support it. The biggest thing wrong that I’ve heard a million times is that you don’t have to be embalmed. If there is going to be a viewing, more than 48 hours after death, even just with next of kin; there, legally, has to be embalming to stop the biohazard risk in most states. If you want a direct burial or cremation, you don’t need to be embalmed; but if the public will be around the deceased, embalming is almost always required. Even in those that aren’t mandatory after 48 hours, there’s a massive liability waiver because of how dangerous it is, and you won’t be able to touch them without gloves.
Bummer that she gets things wrong like that. I mostly just watch her tell historical stories. She can spin a mighty entertaining yarn.
Oh definitely. I created a show after I had to stop mortuary work (genetic disability) because it’s fascinating. I even ran the Wayne State University Funeral History Museum for 3 years.
Can you go into details?
Washington Colorado, California, Oregon and Vermont currently allow human composting, but the idea is spreading. Cremation, embalming, burials at a cemetery, even green burials are awful for the environment. They all require either chemicals, the use of gas, or the use of heavy machinery; sometimes all of them. The aforementioned states made it in such a way that you’re giving back to the environment and it’s a fuck ton cheaper. (Still need a Funeral home involved for transportation, biohazard protection, permits, government docs, etc. So it’s not free, but much more affordable)
Is human composting a mainstream option now, or only offered at select mortuaries?
It’s allowed in Colorado, Vermont, Oregon, Washington, and California, so definitely becoming more widespread. I’m not sure if you need a specific mortuary, but the one I worked in Colorado (before the law passed) would work with all sorts of programs; Science Care (body donation), organ donation programs, the companies that turned your cremated remains into diamonds/glass art/coral reefs, the ones that shot cremated remains into space or had it mixed with fireworks or tattoo ink. There are a LOT of options for you postmortem 😅