As we and our loved ones age we ultimately have to come to terms with what to do at the end. I know I have aging parents, and I want to avoid thinking about this as much as possible, but I also want to do what they would be happiest with when that time comes. I always assumed there were two main options available — a cemetery or cremation. However, my mother has alway told me she just wants to be thrown out into nature, and my father tells me he wants a viking funeral… my parents might be a little extra… Anyway, I think both of these options are illegal these days. So, I was very interested to learn about Terramation or human composting. Personally, I think it fits perfectly with what my mom envisions, is really beautiful, and might be unique enough to pacify my father..

With our over crowded world, Terramation is not only the best for the resources we have, but it is the cleanest and actually gives back to our environment. Please read on to learn more about human composting from the caring company Return Home as we dig deep with their Director of Outreach, Nicole Steinberg.

Where are you based?
We are the world's largest Natural Organic Reduction company located in Auburn, Washington.

Can you please explain what Return Home does?
Return Home gently transforms human remains into nutrient rich soil continuing the cycle of life.

Why should people seek Terramation or human composting for their loved ones?
Natural Organic Reduction (NOR) is a modern adaptation of the natural funeral. Families will choose Terramation because it aligns with their beliefs/values. They will choose this option because they can give back to the earth after they pass and it provides an alternate disposition method for individuals who feel that cremation or burial is not for them

So, how does human composting work? -

Laying In Ceremony - Our laying in service allows families to bid their loved ones farewell in person or virtually. The vessel can also be personalized, both outside and inside, by adding items that express love
Terramation - The body is placed inside the vessel, surrounded by an organic blend of alfalfa, straw, and sawdust. The body then undergoes a 30-40 day process of natural breakdown, fueled by microbes contained in the body. Oxygen flows through the vessel which stimulates microbes rapidly but passively transforming the body into soil.
Resting - The soil is screened for inorganics and placed into a cube to rest and cool for the next 30 days.
Life Grows On - Families receive approximately 250 pounds of soil, ready to foster new life. Any soil that the family cannot take will be scattered at our woodland located in Kent Washington at no additional charge.

Can one visit their loved one during the process? What can they expect to see?
Absolutely! Return Home welcomes families into our facility to visit their loved one during phase one of the Terramation process. They are able to sit with their loved ones vessel, decorate their loved ones vessel, and ask any questions they may have. They will get to see our amazing staff and possibly another family visiting their loved one as well.

Loved ones can take the soil or scatter it in your woodlands.If they choose the latter are they able to visit this space in the future? Is there anything posted anywhere that their loved one was left to rest there?
Families are welcome to take the full amount of soil, however if they choose to have us scatter to our woodland area they can visit at any time. There is a memorial bench located on the Soos Creek Trail that overlooks the scattering area and has a memorial plaque reading “In honor of those who have returned home”.

Maybe a weird question, but is there anything this soil should or shouldn’t be used for? Or is it just normal soil after everything?
This is a great question. Families are welcome to use the soil as they like. When testing the soil it will test the same as a nutrient rich compost.

Wow, you offer a free of charge service for children, people under the age of 18. What inspired this very sensitive and caring act?
When Micah Truman first began this company, he sought input from his staff, asking them what was the most difficult part of their work. Without hesitation, they all shared the same heartbreaking answer: charging a mother or father to care for their child was the hardest burden to bear. From that moment on, Micah made it his mission to prioritize his team’s well-being, knowing that by supporting them, they could offer the care and compassion families deserve without added financial strain. This is why, from the very beginning, we have offered this service to parents at no charge.

Human composting isn’t legal in every state yet. What do you recommend to someone looking to have it done in a state that doesn’t have access to it yet?
The first step in bringing NOR to your state would be passing legislation. NOR has gone from one state to twelve states in just three years. It is a grass roots movement and we are happy to support in any way we can.

Why are some states fighting against Terramation?
It is not so much that states are fighting against terramation but more so navigating regulations from state to state when it passes legislation. Our hope is that all regulators reach out to us and discuss how Washington has been practicing so that we do not end up reinventing the wheel making it inaccessible to the community.

How is Terramation better for the environment than the alternatives?
Terramation is better environmentally than cremation and traditional casket burial; both of which are incredibly resource intense. We are a fraction of the output a cremation would have and we actually sequester carbon with our soil. We are the urban green burial option!

It has been a rough few years. How have you been staying positive?
I truly believe there is always a bright side, even if it sometimes takes a little patience to find it. Being there for someone during a dark time whether it’s through death or grief brings a deep sense of fulfillment. Outside of my work, I’m passionate about rock climbing, lifting weights, and treasure hunting for Victorian-era mourning jewelry (and older) to curate a unique collection. I find great joy in matching these pieces with new families, allowing their stories to continue in a meaningful way.

What is your motto in life?
Oh gosh, I am not sure I have one…Find the bright side, embrace the journey, and honor the stories that connect us?

To learn more about Return Home, please check out the links below:
https://returnhome.com
https://returnhome.com/idratherbecompost
https://idratherbecompost.com
Tiktok: @returnhomenor
Instagram: returnhomenor

Images from Return Home.

Returning Home Naturally - The New Movement of Human Composting