Natural organic reduction (NOR), often called human composting, is gaining attention as the greenest death care option available today. Although NOR is now available in 14 states, the process is surrounded by persistent myths. It’s understandable given that natural organic reduction is revolutionary and unlike any other type of disposition, but some of the most common misconceptions couldn’t be further from the truth.
The Cremation.Green team is here to shed some light on the most common misconceptions about natural organic reduction by sharing the science behind it and facts from industry experts. Hopefully, it’s the information you’re looking for to determine if NOR is a death care service worth exploring.
Misconception #1: It’s Like Home Composting
Many people believe the NOR process is tantamount to simply adding a human body to a compost pile. Nothing could be further from the truth. In actuality, natural organic reduction is highly controlled in an indoor setting using cutting edge equipment.
The large steel human composting vessels are quite sophisticated. Inside the vessel a single body is carefully placed among blended organic materials. The vessel is about to use regulated heat to safely transform the remains into nutrient-rich soil. The body is completely broken down inside the vessel to create clean soil, not crude or incomplete decomposition that happens out in the open.
Misconception #2: It’s Not Legal
Because NOR is a radically different death care approach, many people think human composting isn’t actually a legal form of disposition. Every state gets to control what disposition options are available to residents. In terms of legality, NOR is real, regulated, and legal service in a growing number of states, including Washington, Colorado, Oregon and California. More states are considering legislation every year because there are so many benefits and so few downsides.
Natural organic reduction is recognized as a distinct method of final disposition, that’s totally different from burial or cremation. It might take some time for the majority of people to accept the practice, but with each passing year it’s being legalized in more states.
Misconception #3: Human Compost May Be Unsafe
There’s concern that the soil generated from NOR could contain dangerous chemicals like medications, heavy metals from dental work or PFAS (forever chemicals). Although most facilities carefully screen and remove inorganic materials, there is ongoing debate and evolving science about environmental contamination risks. Reputable practitioners openly address these concerns and plan to adapt safety protocols as research develops.
Something to consider is how many unhealthy compounds are put into the ground during traditional burial. The embalming fluid alone is cause for concern since most formulas contain the carcinogen formaldehyde, and it’s known that embalming fluid can leach out into the ground.
Misconception #4: The Process Releases Lots of Carbon
With NOR the opposite is actually true. The process is designed to be carbon neutral. It returns organic material to the soil without producing significant CO2 levels beyond the natural carbon cycle. On the other hand, conventional burial or traditional cremation generates significant emissions on top of using fossil fuels and other resources.
Something else to consider is that natural organic reduction facilities are new and many use renewable energy and efficient systems. This makes the procedure even better for the atmosphere.
Misconception #5: It Takes a Long Time to Compost a Body
The idea that NOR takes much longer than traditional burial or cremation is outdated. It certainly takes longer than other disposition options, however, it’s not as long as some people make it out to be.
Modern natural organic reduction technology transforms remains into soil in just 30 to 45 days by optimizing microbial activity and temperature. Families can receive the created soil within weeks, not months or even years as some people believe. Plus, the family has the opportunity to pay their last respects and even hold a memorial within that time just like burial and cremation. Some people even prefer that it takes a few months for NOR to be completed because it gives them time to grieve and process everything.
Misconception #6: DNA Remains in the Soil
Today, more and more people are becoming protective of their DNA, which is understandable. That said, natural organic reduction isn’t something to worry about.
NOR breaks down all organic tissue, leaving no retrievable DNA in the finished soil. Once processed, it is impossible to identify an individual from the resulting natural organic reduction compost. It’s the same as cremation, which leaves behind no traces of DNA in the cremated remains.
Misconception #7: The Family Can’t Be Involved
Some people argue that cremation, and now natural organic reduction, isn’t as meaningful or respectful as burial because it’s a hands-off process for the family. In reality, the family can be involved in the process just as they are with burial in terms of working one on one with a funeral home to arrange the services.
Some NOR facilities are also set up to allow the family to come visit during the process just to be in close vicinity to their deceased loved one. And of course, families are able to hold memorials to honor the memory of their loved one and allow friends and family to come together to remember them.
NOR is a regulated, rapidly expanding, eco-friendly death care option, but myths remain. They’re often fueled by its novelty and misunderstandings about how the technology works. As more states legalize and standardize natural organic reduction, transparency and education are helping to resolve misconceptions and build trust in this revolutionary form of disposition.
Although it isn’t available in the state yet, Cremation.Green helps Texas families arrange natural organic reduction services. We can answer all of your questions about the process and clear up any misconceptions you have about NOR. We can be reached 24/7/365 to provide personal assistance.