Natural organic reduction (aka "terramation," "composting," or "recomposition") is a process developed by Katrina Spade, Founder and CEO of Recompose, to gently convert human remains to soil. It is a contained, accelerated process that provides us with the opportunity to nourish new life after we die. It uses significantly less energy than cremation and saves over one metric ton of carbon dioxide per person. The process takes approximately 8 weeks and instead of receiving cremated remains, the family has the chance to take all or some of the soil home with them.
Former PMA Executive Director Nora Menkin, along with other community members, testified in support of the legalization of this process. Watch the testimonies at the state Senate (starts around 49 minutes) and the House (starts around 31 minutes) to learn more about alkaline hydrolysis and natural organic reduction.
PMA members receive 15% off of the cost of services at Recompose using the code "PMA-15" and 20% off services at Return Home. Please visit their websites for more information or planning a tour.
In the News
Natural organic reduction has been in the news a lot since its legalization in 2019. Check out these articles and blogs to read more about this growing green funeral option.
PMA blog: Human Composting Turns Five: Reflections on Progress and Innovation, by Casey Husseman Brandt, January 2025
Seattle Times article: 5 years after its legalization in Washington, human composting takes root, by Brendan Kiley, December 2024.
Associated Press article: Washington is 1st state to allow composting of human bodies, by Gene Johnson, May 2019.
Seattle Met article: Human Composting Offers a Green New Way to Die, by Allison Williams, February 2019
