The practice of human composting, that is, transforming dead bodies into nutrients for the soil, has been signed into law in the state of Washington.
The composting process involves the “natural organic reduction” of a dead body. In simple terms, the cadaver is wrapped in a shroud and placed into a cylindrical container. Operators add wood chippings, straw, and other materials. Bacteria and microbes break down the body as they would naturally. The breakdown process is sped up by injecting air into the container, and the resulting matter is heated up to destroy any pathogens.
The end result is a compost-like substance that can be used to line flower beds, feed trees, and so on.
Those who die in Washington from today will have had the choice of either be buried in the traditional way, be cremated, or turned into compost.
What would be your choice? Let us know in the comments below.