This passage discusses the concept of human composting as an alternative to traditional burial or cremation. It starts with Claudia Mason's experience after her husband's death, where she chose human composting for his body. Human composting involves breaking down the body into soil through natural decomposition accelerated by heat. This method is considered more environmentally friendly and sustainable than burial or cremation, producing no harmful chemicals or emissions. Return Home, a facility in Seattle, offers this service. The passage also mentions the growing interest in green burials in Canada, where cemeteries prioritize eco-friendly practices. Additionally, it highlights the emotional significance of receiving soil from a loved one's composted remains, allowing the cycle of life to continue.
Here are the key facts extracted from the provided text:
1. Claudia Mason became a widow after her husband, Rob Mason, was killed in a hit and run while biking home from work.
2. Human composting, known as "terramation," is becoming a new option for disposing of human remains in the United States, starting in Washington state.
3. Micah Truman is the founder of "Return Home," a facility that offers human composting services, or "terramation," as an alternative to traditional burial or cremation.
4. Terramation is a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option compared to cremation, which emits a significant amount of CO2.
5. In terramation, hot air is introduced into a vessel holding the body to accelerate decomposition, ultimately turning the body into soil.
6. Return Home allows families to visit during the terramation process and customize the vessel with personal items.
7. Lorraine Fracy believes that human composting is the future of death care in Canada, considering the rising number of deaths and the need for sustainable alternatives.
8. Royal Oak Burial Park in British Columbia offers green burials, which involve no embalming, non-biodegradable materials, or headstones, in a natural forest setting.
9. Salt Spring Island Natural Cemetery, a private cemetery in British Columbia, provides a natural burial option in a forested area.
10. People who choose terramation can receive soil made from their loved one's remains, which they can use to nurture new life, such as trees or gardens.
11. Micah Truman plans to have 200 bags of his own soil made through terramation, with the request that those who receive it have an "excellent adventure" with his soil and share stories.
Please note that these facts are presented in the order they appear in the text.