What is Human Bioreclamation?

Image credit: OLSON KUNDIG/RECOMPOSE

Human Bioreclamation or human composting, also known as Natural Organic Reduction (NOR),  or Terramation, is the process of transforming human remains into nutrient-rich soil amendment  that can be used to grow plants and trees. The concept of human composting has been around for centuries and has been practised by different cultures in various forms, such as sky burial in Tibet, where the body is left on a mountaintop to decompose and be consumed by scavenging birds.


Recently, human bioreclamation has gained popularity as a more environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative to traditional burial and cremation. This method is less resource-intensive and produces fewer emissions than cremation while avoiding the use of toxic chemicals in embalming and the burial of caskets that take up valuable land space.


Innovations in human composting technology have made the process more efficient and safer, ensuring that the resulting soil is free of harmful pathogens and safe for use as a soil amendment. Community considerations are also taken into account, with some human composting facilities being designed to blend in with the surrounding environment and minimise any negative impacts on the local community.


Human bioreclamation also offers a unique way to honour and celebrate the life of a loved one. Families can choose to use the resulting soil to plant a tree or create a garden in memory of the deceased, creating a lasting and meaningful legacy.


Overall, the concept of human bioreclamation offers a more sustainable and ecologically conscious way to return our bodies to the earth. As society becomes increasingly concerned with environmental impact and sustainability, human bioreclamation is likely to become a more widely accepted and popular option for end-of-life arrangements.