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Documentary Explores Growing Trend of Human Composting

Discover the growing trend of human composting. Can this eco-friendly burial method gain wider acceptance?

Inside a graveyard there are many graves and a lot of trees around them and in the front there is...
Inside a graveyard there are many graves and a lot of trees around them and in the front there is some sculpture.

Documentary Explores Growing Trend of Human Composting

A documentary titled 'Compost me! - Naturbegräbnis' on Arte explores the growing trend of human composting, also known as 'recomposing'. This alternative to traditional burials involves breaking down a body into nutrient-rich earth within 40 days. While some regions like Schleswig-Holstein have begun testing this method, acceptance remains a challenge among funeral directors and authorities.

Natural burials, which have been practiced in the UK for 25 years, use sustainably made urns or coffins. These burials are typically shallow, not exceeding 90 centimeters in depth. The popularity of natural burials is on the rise in Germany, with most burials still occurring in compost bins or urns.

The process of human composting, or recomposing, involves breaking down the body and mixing it with remaining bones. The resulting earth is then buried in a biodegradable linen cloth. However, the idea of using human compost for growing vegetables may not be easily accepted by everyone. Fears and reservations persist among funeral directors and authorities, despite the potential environmental benefits.

The documentary 'Compost me! - Natural burials' delves into the acceptance and practice of human composting. While this method offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional burials, it faces challenges in gaining widespread acceptance. As natural burials continue to grow in popularity in Germany, the conversation around human composting remains open and evolving.

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