
How human composting works in Illinois
Illinoisans have always had a deep relationship with the land. Whether you've hiked the sandstone canyons of Starved Rock State Park, paddled the Illinois River, or wandered the towering rock formations of the Garden of the Gods in Shawnee National Forest, there's a sense here that the land deserves care. Human composting reflects that same instinct.
Human composting is an environmentally-friendly alternative to cremation or traditional burial. Over a 30–45 day process, the body is gently transformed into nutrient-rich soil. It is sometimes referred to as soil transformation, body composting, natural organic reduction or terramation.
Illinois families can choose how much soil they'd like returned, to plant, spread, or share, and the remainder is donated to conservation projects for growing trees, restoring habitats, and nurturing native plants. The process returns the nutrients in our bodies to the natural world, and helps protect the planet for future generations. Whether you need our human composting services now, or you're planning for the future, Earth Funeral is here to help Illinois residents.




