Natural Organic Reduction
Embracing Innovation with Recompose
Sagel Bloomfield, a trusted name in funeral services in Rockville, MD, and the greater DMV area, is proud to expand our Green Funeral Division by partnering with Recompose, a pioneering leader in human composting. This sustainable process, known as natural organic reduction (NOR), offers a gentle, earth-friendly alternative to traditional burial and cremation, transforming human remains into nutrient-rich soil.
As a trailblazer in the field, Recompose combines science-backed methods with principles of environmental stewardship to redefine end-of-life care. By reducing the carbon footprint of traditional practices and aligning with natural cycles, Recompose empowers families to honor their loved ones in a way that gives back to the planet.
Through this partnership, Sagel Bloomfield coordinates the seamless and respectful transportation of your loved one's body to Recompose. Together, we are committed to offering sustainable end-of-life options that reflect the values of conservation and ecological responsibility for families in the DMV area.
Legalization & Availability in Maryland
While human composting is legal in Maryland, as of August 2024, the laws and statutes governing this practice are still being defined. This is why Sagel Bloomfield has partnered with Recompose, to ensure that we are at the forefront of offering this service within the bounds of state regulations. We proudly offer this meaningful way to honor loved ones while giving back to the earth.
The Recompose Process: Turning Life Into Soil
Recompose uses a process that mimics the natural decomposition cycle found in forests. Each body is placed in a vessel and surrounded by a mixture of wood chips, alfalfa, and straw. Over the course of several weeks, naturally occurring microbes break down the body into soil, which can then be used to nurture the earth. This process not only reduces the carbon footprint associated with traditional death care but also contributes positively to the environment by converting each body that undergoes human composting into nutrient-rich soil.
Options for Soil Use
Families have several options for the soil produced from their loved one’s composting process:
- Dedicated Land: Recompose has dedicated land where the soil can be returned to the earth, helping to restore and protect natural habitats.
- Return to Family: Any amount of the soil can be shipped back to the family for use on personal property
- Mix of Both:
Families can receive some soil in biodegradable specialty containers for sharing or small memorial projects, while the rest is donated to conservation efforts. These containers are eco-friendly, travel well, and can be planted or composted.
Recompose Partnership NOR (Natural Organic Reduction)
$9,995
- Basic Services of Funeral Directors & Staff
- Removal from place of death in Maryland within 25 miles - 1 staff person from 9:00AM to 5:00PM
- Refrigeration of deceased (no embalming)
- Sanitary Care and Preparation for Transportation
- Private identification or photograph identification available
- Filing and obtaining certified copies of death certificates
- Combination Unit of Air travel
- Transport of Deceased to Airport
- Natural Organic Reduction by our licensed affiliate Recompose - located in Washington State
Additional Options
- All Soil Donated: $300
- Any Amount of Soil Returned: Starting at $750
- Five Cup Commemorative Soil Container shipped to family - $100
Cash advance items: Death certificates, Airline fee. A credit will not be given on unused package items.
Why Choose Recompose Through Sagel Bloomfield?
Our partnership with Recompose allows Sagel Bloomfield to offer this unique service to families in Rockville, Maryland, and the surrounding areas, including Northern Virginia and Washington, DC. Those who choose Recompose through Sagel Bloomfield benefit from our deep commitment to personalized care and ecological sustainability. Our experienced team will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring that your loved one’s transition from life to soil is handled with the utmost respect, dignity, and environmental responsibility.
FAQ About Human Composting
What are the environmental benefits of human composting?
Human composting is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional burial and cremation. It significantly reduces carbon emissions, conserves resources by avoiding the use of embalming chemicals, caskets, and vaults, and creates nutrient rich soil that can be used to enrich the earth, support plant growth, and contribute to conservation efforts.
How long does the human composting process take?
The human composting process typically takes between eigth to twelve weeks. During this time, the body is placed in a vessel wiht organic materials like wood chips, alfalfa, and straw, where naturally occurring microbes break down the body into the soil. After this initial phase, the soil is allowed to cure for an additional few weeks before it is ready for use.
Can the soil produced from human composting be used for any purpose?
Yes, the soil produced from human composting can be used for a variety of purposes. Families can choose to use the soil on their property, or they can donate it to conservation projects, where it can help restore and protect natural habitats. The soil is rich in nutrients and supports the growth of plants, contributing to the health of the environment. A soil guide will be provided for any of th NOR services packages we offer.