Current:Home > FinanceHuman composting as alternative to burial and cremation gets final approval by Delaware lawmakers-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
Human composting as alternative to burial and cremation gets final approval by Delaware lawmakers
View Date:2024-12-23 21:16:32
DOVER, Del. (AP) — The Delaware Senate gave final approval Thursday to a bill allowing the composting of human bodies as an alternative to burial or cremation.
The measure passed on a 14-7 vote and now goes to Democratic Gov. John Carney.
The legislation authorizes a practice called natural organic reduction, which is often referred to as human composting.
Human composting is currently legal in Washington, Colorado, Oregon, Vermont, California, New York and Nevada, and legislation has been introduced in more than a dozen other states.
Supporters of the practice say it is an environmentally friendly and less costly alternative to traditional burials and cremation that uses less energy and doesn’t involve the use of formaldehyde or the release of carbon dioxide and mercury into the atmosphere. They also say it will help reduce the amount of land needed for cemeteries and the amount of timber harvested for caskets.
Senate sponsor Laura Sturgeon said natural organic reduction is a “sophisticated process” that uses cutting-edge technology and engineering to accelerate the process of turning a human body into soil.
“This choice may not be for everyone, but we can respect those who wish to turn their bodies into soil by allowing this sustainable death care option to be available in Delaware,” Sturgeon said.
If the bill is enacted into law, state officials would have up to a year to develop specific regulations.
The organic reduction process involves putting a body into a large tank that also holds straw, wood chips or other natural materials for about 30 days. The human remains and organic materials would mix with warm air and be periodically turned until the body is reduced to a soil-like material that can then be given to the dead person’s family.
Under the bill, remains could not be accepted for composting if they contain radioactive implants, or if the person died as the result of a radiological incident. Also off-limits would be the remains of those suspected of having certain infections, such as the Ebola virus or diseases that can affect both animals and humans and lead to incurable neurodegenerative disorders, such as mad cow disease.
Testing in other states that allow the practice has found the resulting soil to be “high quality and regenerative,” according to bill supporters.
“That is completely safe for any use,” said Chris DiPietro, a lobbyist testifying in favor the bill. Some people use the soil from a loved one’s composting to plant a tree to remember them, he added.
Opponents suggested that human composting is disrespectful.
“I really have a tough time accepting the idea of composting a human body,” Sen. David Lawson said. “It just doesn’t comport with my upbringing, my religion and my belief that God designed us, and we deserve a bit more respect than being turned into tomato food.”
veryGood! (86943)
Related
- Georgia House Republicans stick with leadership team for the next two years
- Could a 'funky' pathogen be sickening dogs? Scientists search for clues
- These Are the 42 Can't-Miss Black Friday 2023 Fashion & Activewear Deals: Alo Yoga, Nordstrom & More
- Kansas City Native Jason Sudeikis Weighs In On Taylor Swift’s Relationship With Travis Kelce
- Miami Marlins hiring Los Angeles Dodgers first base coach Clayton McCullough as manager
- Federal judge shortens Montana’s wolf trapping season to protect non-hibernating grizzly bears
- 2 men arrested in brazen plot to steal more than 120 guns from Dunham's Sports in Michigan
- Dolly Parton is Cowboys' halftime star for Thanksgiving: How to watch, livestream
- 4 arrested in California car insurance scam: 'Clearly a human in a bear suit'
- The 2024 Canoo Lifestyle Vehicle rocks the boat in our first drive review
Ranking
- My Chemical Romance will perform 'The Black Parade' in full during 2025 tour: See dates
- Dutch election winner Geert Wilders is an anti-Islam firebrand known as the Dutch Donald Trump
- Southern California man filmed himself fatally shooting homeless person, prosecutors say
- You can make some of former first lady Rosalynn Carter's favorite recipes: Strawberry cake
- New York races to revive Manhattan tolls intended to fight traffic before Trump can block them
- Alt.Latino: Peso Pluma and the rise of regional Mexican music
- A Thanksgiving guest's guide to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce
- Thanksgiving is a key day for NHL standings: Who will make the playoffs?
Recommendation
-
College football Week 12 expert picks for every Top 25 game include SEC showdowns
-
Pennsylvania woman sentenced in DUI crash that killed 2 troopers and a pedestrian
-
All the Reasons to Be Thankful for Ina Garten and Husband Jeffrey's Delicious Love Story
-
Missouri governor granting pardons at pace not seen since WWII era
-
Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia Explains Why She’s Not Removing Tattoo of Ex Zach Bryan’s Lyrics
-
Hezbollah fires rockets at north Israel after an airstrike kills 5 of the group’s senior fighters
-
Prosecutors ask to effectively close case against top Italian, WHO officials over COVID-19 response
-
Dyson Airwrap Flash Deal: Save $180 On The Viral Beauty Tool Before It Sells Out, Again