Receipt of Body
Upon the passing of a loved one, the body is transported from the place of death to our facility with the utmost care and respect. Our team ensures all necessary legal and health documentation is in place.
Natural Organic Reduction
Over the course of several weeks, the body undergoes a natural decomposition process facilitated by beneficial microbes. The controlled environment within the chamber optimizes conditions for the composting process, ensuring it is efficient and environmentally sound.
Final Transformation
Once the process is complete, the remains are transformed into rich, fertile soil. This soil is screened and refined to ensure quality and safety.
Returning the Soil
The nutrient-rich soil is then returned to the family, offering a meaningful way to memorialize their loved one. Families can use the soil in gardens, to plant trees, or support local conservation efforts, creating a lasting legacy that nurtures new life.
Preparation and Placement
The body is prepared for the reduction process, often involving a simple shroud or biodegradable container. It is then laid in a specially designed chamber, surrounded by organic materials such as wood chips, straw, and alfalfa.
What is NOR?
A Natural Alternative
Natural organic reduction (NOR) is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional burial and cremation, transforming human remains into nutrient-rich soil through a gentle, respectful process. Here is how it works:
Receipt of the Body
A family selects natural organic reduction as part of your funeral home's services. Once your funeral home has completed the necessary visitations, death certificate and permit processing, we receive the decedent into our care from your funeral home.
Preparation and Placement
The decedent is gently placed into a bed of natural materials, including locally sourced wood chips and alfalfa. We call this process a "tuck-in."
Families are encouraged to provide biodegradable mementos, such as flowers, or the decedent's favorite snack or beverage, to be included in their tuck-in. These items will accompany the decedent during their reduction journey.
The natural organic reduction chamber is specially designed to optimize the aerobic reduction process. It conceptually resembles a large casket, and is known as a "chariot."
Natural Organic Reduction
Over the course of several weeks, the body undergoes a natural decomposition process facilitated by beneficial microbes. The controlled environment within the chariot optimizes conditions for the reduction process, ensuring it is efficient and environmentally sound. At the end of the process, the soil is tested by a third-party laboratory to certify it is healthy, nutrient-rich and safe.
Final Transformation
Once the reduction process is complete, the soil is screened and refined using an industry-specific machine similar to a large cremulator. We do this to ensure soil consistency, quality and safety in accordance with mortuary regulations. The rich, fertile soil is then ready to be released to your funeral home and the family.