New Jersey Governor signs legislation permitting human composting in the state.

In an innovative move that reflects changing attitudes toward death and environmental sustainability, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has enacted legislation allowing for human composting, officially referred to as natural organic reduction. This law, which passed with overwhelming bipartisan support—37 to 2 in the Senate and 79 to 1 in the House—will come into effect in ten months, enhancing the state’s reputation as “The Garden State.”

The bill not only provides residents with alternative options for posthumous disposition but also emphasizes environmental stewardship. As articulated by Democratic State Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese, a cosponsor of the bill, this approach affords individuals “more choice and dignity at the end of life” while simultaneously protecting the planet. By eliminating the need for harmful embalming chemicals and reducing carbon emissions associated with cremation, human composting is positioned as a safe, respectful, and sustainable option for families.

With this legislative change, New Jersey joins 13 other states in legalizing the practice, which is still not permitted in neighboring Pennsylvania. Democratic State Representative Chris Rabb is actively working on a similar bill to introduce the concept in Pennsylvania. Despite this growing trend, there remains a notable limitation on the East Coast, as there are currently no composting facilities available, necessitating the transportation of remains across the country for processing.

Human composting, also known as terramation, gained its first legal approval in Washington state in 2019. The process involves placing a body in a vessel alongside organic materials, such as mulch and wood chips, where it undergoes natural decomposition over about 45 days. This transformation, facilitated by naturally occurring microbes, yields approximately a cubic yard of nutrient-rich soil.

Public interest in sustainable alternatives to conventional burial and cremation methods appears significant. A survey conducted by the National Funeral Directors Association revealed that over 60% of respondents expressed interest in exploring eco-friendly options.

In terms of cost, human composting is relatively economical. The process typically costs around ,000, compared to the average expenses associated with traditional burial in New Jersey, which exceeds ,000, or full-service cremation, which approaches ,000. Additionally, direct cremation without a service averages about ,500, highlighting that human composting not only aligns with environmental values but also presents a financially viable alternative for many families.

As this trend continues to grow, it marks a significant shift in how society views death and the ecological impacts of end-of-life choices. Media News Source.