Emerging Technology

I am pursuing a degree in Mortuary Science here at CCBC, and one emerging use of technology I have always found really interesting is Natural Organic Reduction (NOR), also known as human composting or terramation. I chose this topic because it is changing the way we think about death care in a more environmentally friendly and practical way.

A lot of people think cremated ashes can be used to grow plants or trees, but that is not true. After cremation whether by fire or water, the ashes do not have any nutrients that plants can use. In fact, they are highly alkaline and salty, which can actually harm plants instead of helping them grow. That misconception is pretty common, and it is one of the reason why information about alternatives like NOR is so important. 

With NOR, the body is placed in a controlled environment with organic materials like wood chips and straw to naturally accelerate decomposition. Technology plays a key role in this process as sensors and aerobic systems carefully regulate temperature, oxygen flow, and moisture levels to create the ideal conditions for microbes to break down the remains efficiently and safely. In about 90 days, the remains turn into nutrient-rich soil. This soil can be returned to families to be used to grow plants. It usually produces about one to two cubic yards of soil. 

Another reason I’m interested in this is that it’s more eco-friendly and often costs less than traditional funeral options. As the death care industry continues to evolve, I think NOR is an important option to understand and consider for the future; especially since it is only legally authorized in 14 US states to date. I believe people should have clear information and access to all available options so they can make informed decisions for themselves and their loved ones based on their values, beliefs, and ethics, both in life and in death.