The Rhode Island House of Representatives has passed a bill legalizing human composting as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional burial and cremation. This initiative is aimed at mitigating the environmental impact associated with conventional end-of-life practices.
Details of the Bill
The bill, sponsored by Representative Michelle McGaw, allows natural organic reduction (NOR) facilities to function in Rhode Island. Human composting, as it’s commonly referred to, converts human remains into nutrient-dense soil using organic materials like wood chips, straw, and alfalfa. The transformation process spans about 8 to 12 weeks, after which the produced soil can be returned to families or contributed towards conservation projects.
Maine becomes the 12th state to legalize human composting joining Washington, Oregon, Vermont, Colorado, Nevada, California, Arizona, Maryland, Delaware, Minnesota, and New York!
Learn more about this eco-friendly process: https://t.co/wsVobBwX5m pic.twitter.com/LYVIYkBrZp
— OrderoftheGoodDeath (@OrderGoodDeath) June 12, 2024
Environmental Impact
Human composting is viewed as a sustainable option that significantly reduces the carbon footprint when compared to cremation and traditional burials. Cremation emits harmful pollutants including carbon dioxide and heavy metals into the air, while standard burials require extensive resources such as hardwood, steel, and embalming chemicals which can potentially pollute soil and water.
Criticism and Opposition
Despite its environmental advantages, the bill has faced resistance on religious grounds. Catholic leaders in Rhode Island have expressed their disapproval of the practice, arguing that it contradicts Church teachings on the sanctity of the human body and belief in bodily resurrection. According to the Catholic Church’s stance, traditional burial is seen as the most respectful method for handling human remains as it upholds reverence and dignity for the deceased.
"While proponents tout the “green” aspects of “natural organic reduction," others are concerned about the callousness of treating human remains as trash."
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— Legal Insurrection (@LegInsurrection) June 19, 2024
Trends in Other States
Rhode Island’s legalization of human composting mirrors a similar trend observed in other states. Washington was the pioneer state to legalize this practice in 2020, followed by states like Colorado, Oregon, Vermont, Nevada, and New York. Advocates of the bill claim that it provides a practical solution to the environmental and economic issues related to conventional deathcare practices.
Regulations and Oversight
The legislation includes regulations for safe and respectful handling of human remains. This involves health inspections, identification protocols, and restrictions on who can conduct the composting process, ensuring that only licensed professionals are engaged.
Future Prospects
Inspired by the eco-friendly approach and support from her constituents, Representative McGaw believes that human composting is in line with broader efforts to promote environmental sustainability. She hopes that this alternative will encourage more people to consider the ecological impact of their end-of-life choices. This development signifies a major shift in societal attitudes towards death care, reflecting an increased awareness and commitment to environmental concerns even in posthumous practices.
Source: Right Wing Insider
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