Most funerals are heavy on their carbon footprint. With burials there are a number of chemicals used in the embalming liquid and wood is used for the coffins. The area for the burial is also earmarked and not available as a resource to the living people of the planet. In case of cremations, the accelerants used to aid the spread of fire also have a heavy chemical release into the atmosphere.

Jamie Pedersen is now hoping to offer residents of Washington an alternative which would be a lot healthier to the planet. The idea is to allow human bodies to undergo composting so that they are gently broken down into the soil. This mineral rich soil would then be able to sustain new life. The Democratic state senator is sponsoring a bill in the legislature to this effect.

The obvious green benefits aside, there is also a huge financial benefit for the family left behind. It is likely that the human composting system will be $2000 cheaper than the regular burial. Here’s wondering of this science experiment will ever come to life. It may be green, but will it soothe emotions of the bereaved family?