Ecological Assessment into Burial Practices

Abstract:
<p>Our death’s can have a greater impact on the environment than we realize. Traditional ground burials are the most common way Americans say goodbye to their loved ones. This practice causes harm to groundwater supplies. An estimated 800,000 gallons of formaldehyde slowly leeches into the ground annually along with other embalming fluids such as glycerin, phenol, and menthol. As bodies decompose, necroleachate is leached into the groundwater, releasing pathogenic bacteria and viruses. Coffins can also contaminate the soil with metal and varnishes. Pesticides and fertilizers used during cemetery maintenance also pose a threat to groundwater contamination. Human composting is a new form of burial that aims to prevent harm to the environment. This process involves composting human remains into nutrient rich soil through a 5 to 7 week process and the body lays in a chamber filled with oxygen and organic materials such as wood chips and alfalfa. This poster will present a review of news and literature concerning human composting and wetlands restoration in Washington state. Results include testimonials from families who have participated in this practice and their decision making process for choosing human composting. This presentation will be of interest to geographers and environmental scholars interested in the social, cultural, and environmental effects of alternative burial practices.</p>

Keywords: Composting, Groundwater Contamination, Soil Restoration

Authors: