03:20USA: 'A reconnection to nature' - New York approves environmentally friendly human composting burials
Residents of New York can now have their bodies turned into earth after their death following a decision by the state to allow for 'human composting', as seen in footage captured at the Greensprings natural cemetery in Newfield on Thursday.
Human composting is seen as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional techniques, as it does not use embalming fluid, a casket, or a burial vault. Instead, remains are placed directly into the earth, allowing the body to decompose naturally.
"I think natural burial is an opportunity to consider it before you're not just choosing to do something very gentle with your own body but you're also making a commitment to do something of benefit to the planet afterwards,” said Michelle Menter, Manager at Greensprings Natural Cemetery Preserve.
“There are no embalming fluids, because there is not a concrete vault liner, because there is not an exotic hardwood casket and metals and because it's in a nature reserve, you are making this stewardship decision," she added.
New York became the sixth US state to allow human compositing earlier this month. Washington was the first state to legalise the practice, passing legislation in 2019.
03:20Residents of New York can now have their bodies turned into earth after their death following a decision by the state to allow for 'human composting', as seen in footage captured at the Greensprings natural cemetery in Newfield on Thursday.
Human composting is seen as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional techniques, as it does not use embalming fluid, a casket, or a burial vault. Instead, remains are placed directly into the earth, allowing the body to decompose naturally.
"I think natural burial is an opportunity to consider it before you're not just choosing to do something very gentle with your own body but you're also making a commitment to do something of benefit to the planet afterwards,” said Michelle Menter, Manager at Greensprings Natural Cemetery Preserve.
“There are no embalming fluids, because there is not a concrete vault liner, because there is not an exotic hardwood casket and metals and because it's in a nature reserve, you are making this stewardship decision," she added.
New York became the sixth US state to allow human compositing earlier this month. Washington was the first state to legalise the practice, passing legislation in 2019.