"Natural organic reduction" seems to be the most environmentally-friendly funerary option.Dust to DustCalifornia Senate is currently considering a new bill that would allow residents to leave their bodies for natural organic reduction, even if they are not human composting.Los Angeles Magazine reports that Cristina Garcia, California Assemblymember, introduced the draft legislation for the second time in February. It would make California the fourth state with legal composting. Although the thought of your body rotting after you're gone might be a bit off-putting, this environmentally friendly trend will likely grow as we face a future that is shaped by climate change. It's not like you are using your body for anything.Carbon CycleAccording to LA Mag, Californians currently have only two legal options: traditional burial or cremation using water or fire. For anyone who is looking for a way to lay to rest but not increase their environmental impact, composting could be a viable alternative.According to Recompose outreach manager Anna Swenson, natural organic reduction is a way for the earth to return to its original state. Some people love the idea of living in a forest after they die. This is what I have chosen for myself.AdvertisementAdvertisementHow to Break it DownPopular Science explains that natural organic reduction is achieved by covering a corpse with straw, wood chips and alfalfa before placing it in a metal chamber. The Guardian reports that the body of the person, including their bones, will be reduced to about one cubic yard (or less) of nutrient rich soil within a month.This prevents carbon dioxide from reaching the atmosphere by preventing the burning of fossil fuels during cremation, and also sequestering greenhouse gasses in the soil. Recompose's Swenson told The Guardian that most funerary arrangements release about 40 propane tanks of greenhouse gas into the atmosphere. This is all avoided when composting takes place.Garcia stated that this alternative final disposition is possible because of climate change and sea level rise, which are very real threats to the environment. Garcia first announced it last year.READ MORE: California is considering legalizing composting of the dead [Los Angeles Magazine]AdvertisementAdvertisementFind out more about funeral arrangements. 7 Futuristic Things You Can Do With Your Body After You Die
