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Human composting


Airehead

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Or recomposing as it is sometimes called. “Recompose uses a process called natural organic reduction
to transform human remains into soil. This soil can then be used to regenerate the earth that supports us our whole lives.”

As I understand it, they pack you with wood chips, alfalfa, and other things that create microbes to expedite your decomposition.  

it is now legal in New York and some other states. Will you consider it?

I am thinking about it. 

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Assuming I have some control, I’m planning cremation and either scattering in the mountains here, or in the mountains north of here. There’s no option for a pyre, though, so I would consider composting. I’ve been considering a mushroom spore suit, also, as an alternative to cremation. Embalming and casket burial is off the table. 
https://the-ethos.co/green-burial-options/

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25 minutes ago, Zephyr said:

One of my co-workers was talking about this as he listened to a podcast on it from Washington State.  I have always been leaning towards cremation. Apparently cremation has a large carbon footprint per cook

The more fat, the less fuel required.  Cremation sites have very extreme pollution controls now.  You won't see smoke and won't smell it.  

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12 minutes ago, Wilbur said:

The more fat, the less fuel required.  Cremation sites have very extreme pollution controls now.  You won't see smoke and won't smell it.  

But from what I've read, it takes a really hot fire and may consume a lot more fuel than you think.  Composting seems like an extremely environment friendly option.  

I really don't care what happens to my rotting carcass.  Whatever is best for the planet is fine with me.

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7 minutes ago, Road Runner said:

But from what I've read, it takes a really hot fire and may consume a lot more fuel than you think.  Composting seems like an extremely environment friendly option.  

I really don't care what happens to my rotting carcass.  Whatever is best for the planet is fine with me.

It actually isn't bad.  I only know because my boss owns 450 cremation sites in Canada and the US.  :)  2-3 litres of fuel or equivalent LNG.  There is no carbon left, just calcium of the bones.  They are remarkably light and breakable after the process.  Don't ask how I know. 

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I used to ride my bike past a local cremation facility everyday.  There was always a fire going.  No smoke, but I could see the heat vapors churning up the air at the top of the chimney.  I assumed that they may have to keep the ovens hot at all times, even when a carcass is not being consumed.

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18 minutes ago, Road Runner said:

I used to ride my bike past a local cremation facility everyday.  There was always a fire going.  No smoke, but I could see the heat vapors churning up the air at the top of the chimney.  I assumed that they may have to keep the ovens hot at all times, even when a carcass is not being consumed.

You actually have to let them cool below 200 degrees between bodies.  Too much initial heat causes heavy smoking and potential for uncontrolled fires. 

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Being the old guy that I am, I have seen a big change over the years in final arrangements.  When I was young, I think almost everyone I knew or knew of planned for burial in a local cemetery.  No one in my family has ever been cremated that I know of.  I may be the first.  Unless throwing me into the ground for the worms to eat becomes an option.  That would be great.  At last, the circle of life for humans.  :)

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On 1/2/2023 at 8:29 AM, Airehead said:

Or recomposing as it is sometimes called. “Recompose uses a process called natural organic reduction
to transform human remains into soil. This soil can then be used to regenerate the earth that supports us our whole lives.”

As I understand it, they pack you with wood chips, alfalfa, and other things that create microbes to expedite your decomposition.  

it is now legal in New York and some other states. Will you consider it?

I am thinking about it. 

After a lifetime of returning myself to the earth in terms of poop, hair, nails, scabs, etc., I think my ashes will be a good enough addition.

I want my ashes poured on a fishing/crabbing spot in the Chesapeake Bay to provide nutrients for Bay life.

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1 hour ago, Road Runner said:

I'd like it if they threw my body in a hole in a garden and planted tomatoes all over top of me.  :)

Every so often we go up and plant seasonal flowers on my parents' grave.  My Not Wild Sister will typically bring the plants and extra soil for planting.  One spring she brought some compost from the compost pile at my parents' old house.  Well that's where they tossed their tomato plants.  So when my sister went back in the summer, there was a full grown tomato plant with tomatoes on the grave. :nodhead:  It seemed sort of fitting because my parents always loved their tomato garden.

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