Compost is a dark, crumbly, and nutrient-rich material that is created through the natural decomposition of organic materials, such as food scraps, yard waste, crop residues, and animal manure. Composting is the process of intentionally managing and accelerating the decomposition of organic materials under controlled conditions to produce compost, which is used as a valuable soil amendment and fertilizer in agriculture, horticulture, and gardening.
Composting involves the breakdown of organic materials by microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and other decomposers, into simpler organic compounds through a series of biological and chemical reactions. These microorganisms require oxygen, moisture, and the right temperature to thrive and decompose the organic materials. Composting can occur through aerobic (with oxygen) or anaerobic (without oxygen) processes, depending on the management practices and conditions.
Pit composting, vermicomposting, windrow composting, sheet composting, in-vessel composting, industrial composting, and bokashi composting are different types of composting we have heard of. The main raw materials for the above-mentioned techniques are food waste, dried plant parts, and animals wastes.
Human composting is the natural process when dead people are buried in the soil, and it takes days to decompose. It was quite shocking to learn and read about how it’s done artificially by a company called Recompose. The company history dates back to 2011, and operations began in Seattle around 2019. It is a relatively new and innovative process that involves the natural decomposition of human remains to create nutrient-rich compost. It is an alternative to traditional burial and cremation methods, and it is gaining attention. They are operating in very few places in the United States yet to branch out in other places.
The process of human composting followed by them are
#1. The body is laid into a vessel along with the wood chips, alfalfa, and straw. The amount of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen in the vessel is controlled for the growth of essential microbes and bacteria that are involved in decomposition.
#2. After five to seven weeks, the organic material has been broken down into soil.
#3. The fresh soil is removed to a curing bin for several more weeks to age.
#4. After being aerated, the soil is screened to remove any non-organisms such as metal fillings, pacemakers, and artificial joint.
#5. Once completed, the soil can be used to enrich the land, and it is very similar to top soil..
I am not quite sure about the working and operations of vessels. Each body creates up to one cubic yard of soil and they are used in nurseries, forests, etc. The carbon dioxide emissions can be minimized compared to a cremation or conventional burial system. However, it may take some time for this approach to gain acceptance in other cultures and countries where burial and cremation practices are deeply rooted in tradition and beliefs.
As we continue to address waste management challenges and environmental sustainability, human composting presents an opportunity for a more eco-friendly and meaningful end-of-life option. It challenges our conventional notions of burial and cremation and encourages us to rethink our relationship with nature and our own mortality. It may require more patience and open-mindedness, but it holds the potential for a more sustainable and respectful approach to our final resting place on this earth. Nonetheless, composting remains a simple and effective way to reduce waste, conserve natural resources, and promote a circular economy, contributing to a more sustainable future for all.
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