The circle of life

Warning for those of a delicate nature.

Courtesy of Blackrat (his latest post is amazing - go read it ... but please come back!) I found this:

"What’s human composting? Will it ever catch on?
First you freeze a body solid. This makes it easy to shatter. Then you use vibration or ultrasound to break it down into small, easily composted pieces. These are put in a biodegradable, cornstarch "coffin" and buried about a foot and a half deep. Now you plant a tree or shrub over it. As the pieces break down and the coffin dissolves, the plant can take up the nutrients. Et voila, a living memorial."

For some time I've been fascinated by a "green" funeral. I know it might seem a bit morbid but it's something that interests me. I've always loved the idea of having a tree instead of a headstone. I can't understand the idea of spending a fortune on polished wood and brass fittings that will just be put in the ground. And cremation doesn't seem particularly environmentally friendly.

So when I read about human composting, it intrigued me. There is something very satisfying about the idea of a body breaking down and nurishing another living thing - a massive oak tree stretching it's limbs skywards for hundreds of years.


Happy Journeys