Composting human bodies, also known as “terramation,” is gaining popularity as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional burial and cremation. The process involves transforming the body into nutrient-rich soil through natural decomposition, a practice that appeals to environmentally conscious individuals. Sean Hanna, who lost his partner Stephen Staunton to brain cancer, found comfort in this method as it aligned with Staunton’s love for gardening and mushrooms. Staunton had always imagined becoming part of nature after death, and through Earth Funeral, Hanna was able to fulfill this wish. The terramation process, which includes washing the body, wrapping it in a biodegradable shroud, and placing it on a bed of organic materials, is not only gentle but also environmentally sustainable, creating soil that can nourish the earth without the pollution associated with cremation or the resource demands of a traditional burial.
The rise of terramation reflects a growing awareness of the environmental impact of conventional funeral practices. While traditional burial remains a common choice, it requires significant resources, including the production of caskets and the use of concrete vaults, which contribute to environmental degradation. Cremation, though less resource-intensive, still releases substantial amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. In contrast, terramation is a carbon-neutral process that produces more soil than the original body weight, allowing families to use this nutrient-rich material in meaningful ways. For instance, after Staunton’s body was composted, the soil was used to fertilize trees in Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, a place he loved. As terramation facilities expand, like Earth Funeral’s new facility in Las Vegas, more people are choosing this green alternative, finding peace in the idea that their remains can contribute to the cycle of life in a positive and sustainable way.
