Why Georgia has joined a growing list of states to offer human composting
Human composting is now legal in Georgia. With the passing of Senate Bill 241, Georgia just became the 13th state in the nation to legalize this green burial alternative
This process, also known as terramation, will officially be available in Georgia on July 1 and is part of a growing trend in death care practices.
Georgia’s move reflects a national trend toward more sustainable end-of-life options. According to the National Funeral Directors Association’s 2024 Consumer Awareness and Preferences Report, 68% of Americans expressed interest in green burial options, including human composting
What is human composting?
Katrina Spade the pioneer of this technique and founder of Recompose, says the process involves placing a body in a vessel where “microbes power change at the molecular level, resulting in the formation of a nutrient-dense soil.”
After a few weeks, the soil is returned to the family, who can use it to nourish gardens, plant trees, or even donate it to conservation projects.
Tom Harries, CEO of Earth Funeral, says “While it’s getting labeled as a new process, what we’re doing is actually as old as time.”
What’s the appeal of terramation (human composting) in Georgia?
For many, the appeal is both ecological and deeply personal. As Georgian August Elliott told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, “It really is ashes to ashes but with a greener twist.”
The benefits of human composting for Georgia
Environmental
According to National Geographic, “green funerals” have many benefits over traditional burial or cremation processes.
Uses less energy
Contributes local ecosystems and replenishes organic soil matter
Avoids the use of chemicals
No land required
Lowers greenhouse gas emissions
Financial
The National Funeral Directors Association puts the national median cost of a funeral with a viewing and burial at $8,300, and the median cost of a funeral with cremation at $6,280.
Human composting can provide a more affordable alternative to traditional funerals. The cost generally ranges from $4,950 to $7,000, depending on the level of service, says service professionals Earth Funeral.
Personal
Providers say the benefits to loved ones and survivors are significant.
Offers families the option to create a living memorial and a tangible way to honor loved ones
Allows after-death care to align with personal or spiritual values by providing a meaningful, natural return to the earth
There are drawbacks to a green funeral
For one, you won’t be able to take advantage of the service until July. Additionally, the law also directs the state Board of Funeral Service to develop licensing guidelines for human composting facilities and until now, Georgians interested in this option had to ship remains to other states.
You might consider these negative aspects to the process too:
Regulatory gaps: The process is still news and there may be inconsistent safety standards or oversight, says AARP.
Cultural concerns: The Maryland Catholic Conference suggests it “harms human dignity.” It also may conflict with certain cultural traditions and beliefs.
Limited availability: Since Georgia has only recently made it legal, your funeral home of choice may not offer it. You should consult the Georgia Funeral Home directory.
Georgia’s move to become the next in line to allow this kind of after-life care suggests this process trending upward.
What are your thoughts? Would you do a “terramation” service where you’re the human being composted? Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.
