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As seen in 6ABC: New Jersey legalizes human composting as alternative to traditional burial
6ABC
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September 15, 2025
6ABC covers New Jersey becoming the 14th state to legalize natural organic reduction, featuring Earth Funeral's process and the personal story of a family who chose soil transformation.
"I don't want to be in a cemetery underground, and I don't want to be burned," said Ken Stanciel before his death at age 90. His wife, Dianne Thompson-Stanciel of Tinton Falls, honored his wishes by choosing natural organic reduction through Earth Funeral. The segment highlighted how New Jersey's new legislation allows soil transformation available statewide.
"Each person is laid into one of those vessels with wildflowers and other organic material like mulch, and then the process gets to work," explained Haley Morris, head of policy at Earth Funeral.
The segment features Thompson-Stanciel's moving account of her husband's continued presence through a houseplant that has flourished since she added his soil: "It was the first plant I put compost in right away. And you know that plant is standing up to the ceiling. So he may not have liked it (the plant), but he's here to save it."
Return to nature through soil transformation
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Takeaways
- Growing Acceptance: New Jersey becomes the 14th state to legalize human composting
- East Coast Expansion: Earth Funeral expands soil transformation services to New Jersey
- Industry Collaboration: New Jersey Funeral Directors Association worked with lawmakers to develop legislation based on rigorous research from West Coast providers
- Living Memorial: Families can use soil to nourish houseplants and gardens, creating tangible, ongoing connections with loved ones
"It was the first plant I put compost in...and you know that plant is standing up to the ceiling."
