Summary
A campaigner in the UK wants to start offering human composting as an alternative to traditional burials or cremations. This process, called terramation, is not yet legal in the UK, but is already practiced in some US states. The campaigner, Kristoffer Hughes, has trained in the US and hopes to bring this eco-friendly method to the UK.
Key Facts
- Human composting, or terramation, involves placing a deceased body in a sealed container with organic materials to turn it into soil over weeks.
- Terramation is legal in several US states but not currently allowed in the UK.
- The UK government is considering the practice with a consultation by the Law Commission expected soon.
- Kristoffer Hughes is a Druid and former mortuary technician who is advocating for terramation in the UK.
- Hughes visited a human composting facility called Return Home in Washington state, USA.
- He and a colleague have started a venture named Eterrna, aiming to be the first to offer the service in the UK.
- The process results in fertile soil that families can use to grow plants in memory of their loved ones.
