Donate your body
to nature with soil transformation
Become living soil that grows plants, restores forests, and heals the earth.
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What it means to donate to nature
Everyone must be cared for when they die, and every option carries costs. But only soil transformation returns the body to the earth, as soil, and helps grow gardens, restore forests, and heal ecosystems.
It can follow organ and body donation, extending the gift further for future generations. Earth provides this service with the same professional care as traditional options, for less and with far greater impact.
How it works
Soil transformation is a gentle process that uses the principles of nature to create nutrient-rich soil.
Preparation and care
The body is carefully prepared and placed in a private vessel with organic materials.
Transformation
Naturally occurring microbes break everything down, creating nutrient-rich soil.
Soil return
Your family receives the soil in biodegradable containers. The remainder goes to conservation projects.
Your questions, answered
Why is there a cost if it’s a donation?
Everyone must be cared for when they die. Every option carries costs, but only soil transformation returns the body to the earth as nutrient-rich soil that grows gardens, restores forests, and heals ecosystems.
Soil transformation is a licensed funeral process. Our team provides full professional care, including transportation, legal documentation, secure care of your loved one, the soil transformation, and respectful return of soil.
Families often find human composting to be a simpler and more affordable option. In fact, nationally it is less expensive than full-service cremation or burial, and it creates a lasting environmental legacy for generations to come. The fee ensures your loved one is cared for with dignity while creating nutrient-rich soil that restores forests and ecosystems.
Is the process safe?
As a licensed soil transformation facility (legally referred to as a natural organic reduction facility), we're subject to strict regulation regarding the process and the quality of the soil we produce. In order to maintain our facility license, we're required to frequently prove the quality of our soil as per test methods developed by the US Composting Council, and other test criteria.
Can I combine body donation and soil transformation?
Yes, we honor both the wish to advance medical knowledge and create an environmental legacy. The possibility of soil transformation after body donation depends on the specific donation program's practices. Many body donation programs have established protocols, including embalming requirements. To pursue soil transformation after donation, you'll want to:
- Discuss with your chosen program whether embalming is required
- If embalming is part of their standard protocol, ask about opting out while still participating in the program
- Confirm you can specify soil transformation as your preferred care plan
We can assist with referrals and coordination.
Can I choose soil transformation if I'm an organ donor?
Yes, you can be both an organ donor and choose soil transformation. We regularly care for organ donors and deeply respect this generous choice to help others.
‍Here's what you should know:
- Organ donation happens at the hospital before the body comes into our care
- The donation process has no impact on soil transformation
- Our team works seamlessly with medical teams to coordinate care
- There are no additional costs or special considerations needed
- The soil transformation process remains the same for donors
By choosing both organ donation and soil transformation, you can make a lasting impact—by giving to others and giving back to nature.
How does this compare to cremation or burial?
Soil transformation is a licensed funeral option, just like burial or cremation. But unlike burial, it doesn’t require embalming fluids, caskets, or land use. And unlike cremation, which produces emissions and requires high energy use, soil transformation is a gentle, natural process that creates nutrient-rich soil. It also gives families more choice in memorialization. Soil can be placed in a pot or planted, spread, shared or even worn, or kept for future uses.
1,850+ five-star reviews
People are embracing our environmentally conscious end-of-life alternative.
“Through the extensive caring given to every aspect of of their service, Earth is the epitome of giving back. I have and will continue to spread the good news of the work Earth does ... I encourage all to plan ahead as I am doing. Thank you Earth!”
"Through the extensive caring given to every aspect of their service, Earth is the epitome of giving back."
"Earth funeral spells freedom for me; freedom from the old way of doing things."
"We feel comforted to know our remains will be composted and used for conservation purposes, we couldn't be happier."
“So much space is being used to bury people in the traditional way in caskets. The idea of being cremated simply did not appeal to me at all. When I heard that Earth was a totally different alternative and one that is the best choice for our environment I knew immediately it was what I was searching for. I have felt nothing but peace knowing I have chosen the right path for myself and, at the same time, helping our earth continue to survive for future generations to come.”
“So much space is being used to bury people in the traditional way in caskets. The idea of being cremated simply did not appeal to me at all. When I heard that Earth was a totally different alternative and one that is the best choice for our environment I knew immediately it was what I was searching for. I have felt nothing but peace knowing I have chosen the right path for myself and, at the same time, helping our earth continue to survive for future generations to come.”
