Current:Home > MarketsHuman composting as alternative to burial and cremation gets final approval by Delaware lawmakers -WealthMindset Learning
Human composting as alternative to burial and cremation gets final approval by Delaware lawmakers
View
Date:2025-04-13 15:45:35
DOVER, Del. (AP) — The Delaware Senate gave final approval Thursday to a bill allowing the composting of human bodies as an alternative to burial or cremation.
The measure passed on a 14-7 vote and now goes to Democratic Gov. John Carney.
The legislation authorizes a practice called natural organic reduction, which is often referred to as human composting.
Human composting is currently legal in Washington, Colorado, Oregon, Vermont, California, New York and Nevada, and legislation has been introduced in more than a dozen other states.
Supporters of the practice say it is an environmentally friendly and less costly alternative to traditional burials and cremation that uses less energy and doesn’t involve the use of formaldehyde or the release of carbon dioxide and mercury into the atmosphere. They also say it will help reduce the amount of land needed for cemeteries and the amount of timber harvested for caskets.
Senate sponsor Laura Sturgeon said natural organic reduction is a “sophisticated process” that uses cutting-edge technology and engineering to accelerate the process of turning a human body into soil.
“This choice may not be for everyone, but we can respect those who wish to turn their bodies into soil by allowing this sustainable death care option to be available in Delaware,” Sturgeon said.
If the bill is enacted into law, state officials would have up to a year to develop specific regulations.
The organic reduction process involves putting a body into a large tank that also holds straw, wood chips or other natural materials for about 30 days. The human remains and organic materials would mix with warm air and be periodically turned until the body is reduced to a soil-like material that can then be given to the dead person’s family.
Under the bill, remains could not be accepted for composting if they contain radioactive implants, or if the person died as the result of a radiological incident. Also off-limits would be the remains of those suspected of having certain infections, such as the Ebola virus or diseases that can affect both animals and humans and lead to incurable neurodegenerative disorders, such as mad cow disease.
Testing in other states that allow the practice has found the resulting soil to be “high quality and regenerative,” according to bill supporters.
“That is completely safe for any use,” said Chris DiPietro, a lobbyist testifying in favor the bill. Some people use the soil from a loved one’s composting to plant a tree to remember them, he added.
Opponents suggested that human composting is disrespectful.
“I really have a tough time accepting the idea of composting a human body,” Sen. David Lawson said. “It just doesn’t comport with my upbringing, my religion and my belief that God designed us, and we deserve a bit more respect than being turned into tomato food.”
veryGood! (2)
Related
- The Daily Money: Spending more on holiday travel?
- Milton’s storm surge is a threat that could be devastating far beyond the Tampa Bay region
- Where are the voters who could decide the presidential election?
- Flags fly at half-staff for Voyageurs National Park ranger who died in water rescue
- Whoopi Goldberg is delightfully vile as Miss Hannigan in ‘Annie’ stage return
- Keith Urban Reacts to His and Nicole Kidman’s Daughter Sunday Making Runway Debut at Paris Fashion Week
- Ryan Garcia passes on rehab, talks about what he's done instead
- Muggers ripped watch off Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler’s arm, police say
- Finally, good retirement news! Southwest pilots' plan is a bright spot, experts say
- Second minor league umpire sues MLB, alleges firing was retaliation for sexual assault complaint
Ranking
- Elon Musk's skyrocketing net worth: He's the first person with over $400 billion
- New York Jets retain OC Nathaniel Hackett despite dismissing head coach Robert Saleh
- Dream Builder Wealth Society: Love Builds Dreams, Wealth Provides Support
- 'Dancing With the Stars' Anna Delvey elimination episode received historic fan votes
- Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
- The sports capital of the world? How sports boosted Las Vegas' growth
- Watch hundreds of hot air balloons take over Western skies for massive Balloon Fiesta
- South Carolina death row inmate told to choose between execution methods
Recommendation
Tree trimmer dead after getting caught in wood chipper at Florida town hall
TikToker Taylor Rousseau Grigg Shared Heartbreaking Birthday Message One Month Before Her Death
How AP VoteCast works, and how it’s different from an exit poll
Shop Amazon's October Prime Day 2024 Best Kitchen Deals & Save Up to 78% on KitchenAid, Ninja & More
Alex Murdaugh’s murder appeal cites biased clerk and prejudicial evidence
Honolulu’s dying palms to be replaced with this new tree — for now
Where are the voters who could decide the presidential election?
49 Best Fall Beauty Deals for October Prime Day 2024: Save Big on Laneige, Tatcha & More Skincare Faves