Dust to Dust - What is Terramation?
It goes by many names: terramation, human composting, soil transformation, natural organic reduction (NOR), recomposition, and body composting. One of the many options now available as an alternative to burial or cremation, it is quickly gaining popularity as one of the most environmentally friendly options for disposing of your remains.
Currently legal in 12 states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington - terramation transforms a body into roughly one cubic yard of nutrient rich soil that can be donated to conservation sites for land restoration projects, organic farms or land preserves, or returned to loved ones for using in a garden, planting a tree, or whatever use they may have for the soil.
The process generally takes about 30-45 days. It is done in facilities with special vessels which balance carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and water and which optimize the temperature and moisture levels throughout the process. Organic elements such as wood chips, mulch, wildflowers, alfalfa, and straw are used as well.
Currently the costs of terramation are approximately $500-$7000, which is generally less expensive than traditional burial fees and slightly more costly than flame cremation or aquamation, placing it in the middle on the cost analysis. Studies show that terramation is likely the most environmentally responsible choice of these four options, so the earth pays a lower cost, making this a great option all around. If you are interested in terramation - and would like more information on it - please check out one of these sites:
