Brooklyn's Green-Wood Cemetery Poised for a Green Goodbye: The Rise of Human Composting
In a bid to reduce its environmental footprint, Brooklyn's historic Green-Wood Cemetery is set to offer a radical new option for those looking to say their final goodbyes – composting the dead. Starting in 2027, the nearly 200-year-old cemetery will be partnering with German-based funeral company Meine Erde to launch "natural organic reduction," an eco-friendly alternative to traditional burials or cremations.
According to Green-Wood Cemetery President Meera Joshi, interest in sustainable death care has been on the rise. "People are more interested in sustainable ways of going through that process," she said. The process involves placing an unembalmed body in a specially designed casket that accelerates decomposition, which is then mixed with organic materials such as clover and straw to create a nutrient-rich soil.
The result is a 200-gallon batch of fertile dirt that can be added to the cemetery grounds or used for tree planting. While the process may seem unconventional, Joshi assured that it's a natural part of the cycle of life – "It's basically the same process as when a tree falls in the woods and slowly becomes earth over time."
However, not everyone will be able to opt for this green burial option. Due to New York state law, the composted remains cannot leave the cemetery grounds, making it a unique solution that's also deeply personal. "We've gone back to earth," Joshi said. "We've gone back to where we came long ago." The hope is that this service will not only reduce waste but also provide a sense of community for families who want to be buried alongside their loved ones.
The cost of this eco-friendly option remains unclear, with similar services in California and Washington state ranging from $5,000 to $7,000. However, Green-Wood Cemetery's traditional burial options – including gravesites priced at $21,000 and mausoleums for one going for $50,000 – make composting a far more affordable alternative.
As the death care industry continues to grapple with environmental concerns, Green-Wood Cemetery's foray into human composting represents a bold step towards a more sustainable future. Whether it's a viable solution for the masses remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – this Brooklyn cemetery is doing its part to redefine what it means to "rest in peace."
In a bid to reduce its environmental footprint, Brooklyn's historic Green-Wood Cemetery is set to offer a radical new option for those looking to say their final goodbyes – composting the dead. Starting in 2027, the nearly 200-year-old cemetery will be partnering with German-based funeral company Meine Erde to launch "natural organic reduction," an eco-friendly alternative to traditional burials or cremations.
According to Green-Wood Cemetery President Meera Joshi, interest in sustainable death care has been on the rise. "People are more interested in sustainable ways of going through that process," she said. The process involves placing an unembalmed body in a specially designed casket that accelerates decomposition, which is then mixed with organic materials such as clover and straw to create a nutrient-rich soil.
The result is a 200-gallon batch of fertile dirt that can be added to the cemetery grounds or used for tree planting. While the process may seem unconventional, Joshi assured that it's a natural part of the cycle of life – "It's basically the same process as when a tree falls in the woods and slowly becomes earth over time."
However, not everyone will be able to opt for this green burial option. Due to New York state law, the composted remains cannot leave the cemetery grounds, making it a unique solution that's also deeply personal. "We've gone back to earth," Joshi said. "We've gone back to where we came long ago." The hope is that this service will not only reduce waste but also provide a sense of community for families who want to be buried alongside their loved ones.
The cost of this eco-friendly option remains unclear, with similar services in California and Washington state ranging from $5,000 to $7,000. However, Green-Wood Cemetery's traditional burial options – including gravesites priced at $21,000 and mausoleums for one going for $50,000 – make composting a far more affordable alternative.
As the death care industry continues to grapple with environmental concerns, Green-Wood Cemetery's foray into human composting represents a bold step towards a more sustainable future. Whether it's a viable solution for the masses remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – this Brooklyn cemetery is doing its part to redefine what it means to "rest in peace."
I mean, can you even imagine going back to earth like that? It's wild thinking about our bodies just kinda decomposing and turning into soil. Like, I guess it's a pretty natural process or whatever... But $5k-$7k is still a lot of cash for me. I get the whole eco-friendly thing but come on, who can afford that kind of price tag? Plus, I don't know if I want to just be mixed in with some clover and straw like it's no big deal. It's a weird feeling knowing our bodies are basically just becoming part of the land... 
. It’s like, we’re already a part of the earth anyway, right? So why not just let nature take care of us when we're done? Plus, it’s a way for people to be connected to their community and the land in a more meaningful way. I mean, think about it – your loved ones will be fertilizing the trees and flowers that surround them 
. We're so used to thinking about death as this scary, impersonal thing, but human composting is just a reminder that we're all part of the same cycle – birth, life, decay, and growth. It's like... have you ever seen those pictures of trees that have fallen on their own in the woods? They slowly decompose over time and become one with the earth 
. It’s kind of like what people will be doing at Green-Wood Cemetery.
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. It's like, we're already made of dirt and stuff, so why not just go full circle? And I love that the cemetery is trying to reduce waste and provide a sense of community for families who want to be buried together 
. The idea that you can just turn into fertile soil and become part of the earth again is pretty mind-blowing 
.
But for real though, $5,000 is a pretty steep price tag for getting buried in the woods... or should I say, getting turned into the woods 
. On a more serious note, I hope this trend catches on and people start thinking outside the box (or coffin, haha) when it comes to dying 
But I do wish we could figure out how much it is going to cost and if it'll be available to everyone, not just those who can afford it 
And I love that they're using clover and straw - it's like a giant compost heap! 
But for real though, it's kinda cool that Green-Wood Cemetery is trying to reduce waste. The environmental impact of traditional burials and cremations can't be ignored. Plus, think about all the money families will save when they can just get a 200-gallon bucket of dirt instead of a $50k mausoleum 
... On the other hand, I get why Green-Wood Cemetery wants to do this - the environmental impact is real and it's a step in the right direction 
.
just think about it, people are finally starting to get the message - we gotta take care of the planet while we're still kicking 
. this composting thing might not be for everyone, but at least it's a start 
like how trees just decay over time... it's kinda poetic, rite? 
anyway, i guess its good that they're trying to reduce waste and all that jazz