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.
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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.
Human composting has been legal in New Mexico since .
Currently, human composting is legal in California, Washington, Oregon, Vermont, Colorado, Nevada 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.
While there are currently no human composting facilities in Wisconsin, Earth works with families throughout the country.
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In partnership with local funeral homes, Wisconsin residents can transport loved ones to the nearest Earth facility.
