UC Merced Undergraduate Research Journal

Substitute methods of burial and funerals have been researched as populations rise and natural environments continue to be depleted, and human composting has become a leader in combating these issues. Still, the idea of having a loved one naturally decay in dirt has not sat comfortably for many family members and friends, deeming it as disrespectful in meriting a person’s life. With a compelling graduate thesis, Katrina Spade lit the movement of green burials and is fighting for them to be normalized and offered to those who have a green thumb and dedication to helping the earth’s natural resources. Her efforts have created the first human composting company, “Recompose,” which has sparked much debate about whether this new method of treating the dead is ethical or not. Human composting can be proven ethical, as it gives a new way of honoring the dead, it provides consent throughout the process, it has been legalized in numerous states, it provides current and long-term benefits, and its procedure is very similar to cultures and religions that have been practicing green burials for many generations. This research, focused on the context of the United States, provides a new insight to tackling and accepting this new life-after-death decision.