Human Composting Is Changing The Landscape Of Death Care (Literally) — And It Could Be Legal In New York State As Soon As Next Year

Author

Rachael Robertson, Craig Newmark Graduate School of JournalismFollow

Graduation Date

Fall 12-16-2022

Grading Professor

Frida Garza

Subject Concentration

Health & Science

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Abstract

Soon New Yorkers might have a new option for end of life care: Natural Organic Reduction, or human composting. Rather than being buried or cremated, New Yorkres might have the option of having their body composted and turned into soil as an environmentally friendly burial alternative. A bill legalizing Natural Organic Reduction in NYS and setting regulations similar to cremation is sitting on Governor Hochul's desk. Death, remembrance, and disposition are especially difficult in New York City, where there is not enough cemetery space for the number of people who die annually. Through audio, data, and print, I explore how human composting could fit into the death care landscape of New York—and what challenges the technology will still face.

https://www.rachrobertson.com/capstone

Recommended Citation

Robertson, Rachael, "Human Composting Is Changing The Landscape Of Death Care (Literally) — And It Could Be Legal In New York State As Soon As Next Year" (2022). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gj_etds/601