Human Composting in Virginia
Human composting is an environmentally-friendly funeral option that is available in a growing number of states in the US.
Virginia 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 Virginia?
Human composting is not currently legal in Virginia.
The process has a significant number of supporters across the US. Human composting could be legalized in Virginia in the coming years, if current trends continue.
Currently, human composting is legal in California, Washington, Oregon, Vermont, Colorado and New York. 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 Virginia resident?
Residents will need to wait until Virginia 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 Virginia. 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 Virginia 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 facility
We own and operate the world’s most advanced soil transformation 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 our facility online
Unique final resting places
Each soil transformation process produces an approximate cubic yard of soil. Choose how much soil you’d like returned and send the remaining soil to our local conservation sites for land restoration projects.
Become a memberBecome 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 Virginia. Use your unique code to claim $500 off your Earth Prepaid plan.
