A New Funeral Option in Maine: Turn Your Body into Compost

Have you ever given much thought to when you're gone?

My mom always said to our family, that she didn't really care what happened after she was gone, because she wouldn't be here to have an opinion. On the other hand, she always implied that, given the choice, she'd probably want to be cremated. I always thought that seemed the most appropriate way to go.

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But more and more, people have been looking for "greener" alternatives. There are cemeteries that allow things like being buried in a fashion that allows the body to decompose naturally. There are also companies that can even turn your body into mushrooms, even it seems a little odd.

Maine has added yet another option, for how people want to be dealt with.

According to the BDN, Maine has now legalized the process of composting your body after you die. There are companies in other parts of the country offering this service. And now that it's legal in Maine, it not only another option for folks, it also opens up the possibility of new business opportunities in our state.

Folks interested in operating this kind of business will need to get educated/certified, and go through a robust registration and training process. But it's very doable. There have already been several individuals who've reached out to the state with interest in opening a facility that would offer this service.

How does it work?

Essentially, you'd be placed in a special container with things like straw and wood chips, and that container would be heated. This will kill any bacteria and also speed up the decomposition process. The whole thing takes about 4 - 8 weeks, from start to finish. When it's over, you'll have produced approximately about a cubic yard of soil.

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Naturally, not everyone loves the idea. Some religious groups feel this is a less-than-appropriate way to transition to the afterlife. While other groups feel this certainly aligns with the idea of returning to the Earth from which you came. Either way, it's definitely another interesting way Mainers can choose how they want to be remembered.