Natural organic reduction, also known as human composting, is the process of converting a person’s body into soil and returning it to the environment. This environmentally friendly option is currently legal and available in several states in the U.S. It is a contained, accelerated conversion of human remains to soil. The process uses large tanks, containers, or similar vessels to hold human remains together with straw, wood chips, and/or other natural materials for a period of time of about four to six weeks. The soil is then returned to the family or used around a planting at a home or in a forest.
To find out if natural organic reduction is available in your state, speak with your local funeral professional.
Funeral homes that belong to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) are held accountable per NFDA’s enforceable Code of Professional Conduct, which outlines various ethical and professional practices to which NFDA member funeral homes must adhere. This self-driven set of standards raises the bar for funeral directors by ensuring the highest quality professional practices of NFDA members.
When you choose to work with an NFDA-member funeral home, you can be confident the funeral home’s staff will adhere to the highest standards of excellence when serving your family and taking your loved one into their care.
NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Award recipients have been recognized by the National Funeral Directors Association for their dedication to serving families and their community.
NFDA Green Funeral Practices™ Certificate program participants have met specific requirements for funeral homes that provide green funerals and natural burials in their community.