Rhode Island Reps Green Light 2 Alternative To Burial Or Cremation

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island state representatives cleared the way for an alternative to burial or cremation.

A bill sponsored by state Rep. Michelle McGaw, D-Portsmouth, Tiverton and Little Compton, would allow for natural organic reduction and alkaline hydrolysis.

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With natural organic reduction, also known as "human composting" or "terramation," "human remains are placed in chambers along with organic matter and kept warm to speed the natural decomposition process to between four to seven weeks," according to a media release.

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"The result is about a cubic yard of nutrient-dense soil," the release said.

Alkaline hydrolysis, referred to by some as "water cremation," "involves placing remains in a chamber with water and alkaline chemicals, which are heated to speed the decomposition process," according to the release.

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The resulting liquid is sterile and contains no tissue or DNA," the release said. "It is discharged as all other wastewater."

“This bill will provide Rhode Islanders additional, greener options when it comes to their final arrangements," McGaw said in the release.

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"Many people work to reduce their impact on the planet in life, and they should have the right to make a similar choice about what will happen at the end of their life,” McGaw said. “Many people are uncomfortable with the environmental impacts of cremation and burial, and they may find peace in the prospect of going to their final resting place as part of the earth, helping to support life in the future.”

The bill now heads to the state Senate.

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