Human Composting in Illinois
Human composting is an environmentally-friendly funeral option that is available in a growing number of states in the US.
Illinois residents interested in human composting can find everything they need to know about the process on this page.
What is human composting?
Human composting is an environmentally-friendly alternative to cremation and traditional burial, which is also known as body composting, natural organic reduction or soil transformation. Over a 45-day process, a body is gently transformed into nutrient-rich soil.
Families choose how much soil they’d like returned - to scatter or plant - and the remainder is sent to local conservation sites where it’s used for land restoration projects, such as reforestation and growing trees. The process returns the nutrients in our bodies to the natural world, and helps protect the planet for future generations.
Learn more about human composting, the process, and the environmental benefits
Is human composting legal in Illinois
Human composting is not currently legal in Illinois.
The process has a significant number of supporters across the US. Human composting could be legalized in Illinois in the coming years, if current trends continue.
Currently, human composting is legal in several states and bills are progressing in a number of other states. For a full and up-to-date breakdown of the legal status in different states, check our legislation tracker
How can I choose human composting as a Illinois resident?
Residents will need to wait until Illinois legalizes human composting to access services in state.
At Earth, we’re working hard to get human composting legalized across the US and to offer our services in Illinois. In the meantime, you can become an Earth Founding Member.
Becoming an Earth Founding Member allows you to choose our soil transformation process for yourself, receive $500 off an Earth Prepaid plan when we launch in Illinois post-legalization, and helps us to prioritize our expansion.
We appreciate your support as we bring natural organic reduction nationwide.
Become a memberThe Earth™ Difference
Carbon neutral
Our process is carbon neutral versus the 535 lbs of CO2 produced by the average cremation (equivalent to a 600+ mile car journey).
Online convenience
Make arrangements in less than 15 minutes, manage everything online with the Earth Portal, and share obituaries with family and friends.
Exceptional care
Our care team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We update you at each stage of the process via email, SMS or via our online Portal.
State-of-the-art facilities
We own and operate the world’s most advanced human composting facilities. Designed in conjunction with leading sustainable architects, our facilities use 100% renewable energy and provide a calm and tranquil setting for the soil transformation process.
Tour a facility online
Unique final resting places
Each human composting process produces an approximate cubic yard of soil. Choose how much soil you’d like returned and send the remaining soil to local conservation projects for land restoration initiatives. Human composting is the most meaningful way to become a tree after death.
View conservation projectsServing each family like our own
Miley S.
In thinking about what I want for my body after I die, I didn’t want it to be a chemicalized waste of space in an overpriced piece of real estate with a view. The idea of being turned into compost for my loved ones to grow something from my remains was a beautiful idea. Earth made enrolling in a prepayment plan very easy. They answered all of my questions and sent plenty of information to share with my loved ones. I highly recommend them for your green burial alternative to traditional burial practices.
Joni F.
This was the easiest decision I have ever made on a topic that is the hardest to discuss with family members. Earth - Green Funeral Home made the process simple, answered all my questions, and even accommodated an add-on service with ease and no complications. I love that this decision will be in the best interest of those I leave behind in taking care of our earth for future generations.
Become a Member today
Online sign-up
Complete our Membership form online. The entire process takes less than 5 minutes.
Membership pack
We send you your final wishes paperwork, Membership card, and limited edition Earth socks.
Launch notification
You'll be the first to know when we launch in Illinois. Use your unique code to claim $500 off your Earth Prepaid plan.
