New Burial Trend Gains Popularity in New York

In a fascinating development, environmentally-conscious New Yorkers will soon have the option to turn their bodies into compost through a new initiative at Greenwood Cemetery. Interestingly, several hundred people are already considering this unique approach to post-life care.

Recently, the historic cemetery revealed it would be the first on the East Coast to offer terramation, a method that allows families to honor their loved ones by returning them to the earth.

“Terramation is an eco-friendly way to dispose of remains, allowing them to reconnect with the soil,” the cemetery explained on its website.

This process involves placing unembalmed bodies along with biodegradable materials, like wood chips, inside a specialized machine designed to facilitate decomposition. This high-tech coffin rocks back and forth to speed up the breakdown of organic materials.

Greenwood Cemetery plans to commence human composting in 2027, marking its first use of natural organic reduction (NOR) since it gained legal status in New York in 2023.

The 200-year-old cemetery has partnered with the German firm Meine Erde to provide more sustainable end-of-life options.

The machine used in this process regulates humidity and airflow while also gently rocking to enhance decomposition. Various organic materials are added to support microorganisms essential for the process.

After around 40 days, the remains transform into approximately 200 gallons of nutrient-rich soil, which Greenwood plans to use for fertilizing its expansive 478-acre grounds. The cemetery is popular for activities like movie nights, leisurely strolls, and birdwatching.

While the soil cannot be taken off the grounds of Greenwood, it will nourish the flora and fauna within its confines. A representative from Meine Erde mentioned, “Because the conversion occurs in a closed container, there is no outdoor biodegradation, minimizing any odor concerns for visitors.”

Public access to the cemetery will remain in line with standard regulations, and once the process is done, the resulting soil will resemble rich, natural humus.

In Germany, there are memorials at composting sites that honor the lives of those whose bodies have been returned to the earth. However, it’s still uncertain how Greenwood will commemorate the participants in this new method.

The planning for this innovative approach is still in its infancy. Nonetheless, Greenwood has reportedly received around 240 inquiries since announcing the NOR process would soon be available.

Although the cemetery hasn’t yet revealed where human composting will occur on the grounds or the pricing, Meine Erde offers services in Europe for about $5,000. In comparison, similar offerings in the U.S. range up to $7,000, which is substantially cheaper than the typical $21,000 cost for a standard gravesite at Greenwood.

Beyond the cost benefits, this method is much more sustainable, as the remains will contribute to planting and supporting wildlife for years to come. It’s worth noting that due to regulations in New York State, the created soil cannot be removed from the cemetery, but in other states, it can be returned to families.