As sustainability drives more families to seek greener end-of-life options, human composting—formally called Natural Organic Reduction (NOR)—is surging. With Return Home’s announcement of a new Minnesota facility, families across more states can choose a carbon-neutral farewell that turns remains into rich soil.

NOR mimics nature’s cycle: in a controlled environment, microbes transform the body and organic material into nutrient-dense earth. Compared with cremation’s average 540 lbs of CO₂ emissions, composting emits virtually none and even helps sequester carbon when the soil is used for planting.

But the process involves complex planning: state laws differ on transport permits, container specifications and where you can bury or use the finished soil. If you live in Wisconsin or Illinois, you’ll need proper documentation and a licensed transporter to move the body to Minnesota’s facility.

Final Compass’s Eco-Friendly Funeral Planning team handles all of it. We secure the transport paperwork, select natural-fiber shrouds, coordinate with Return Home, and design a personalized memorial garden so your family can plant a tree or native wildflowers with the finished soil.

Let us take care of the details—so your loved one’s final gift can nourish life. Contact us to start your green planning journey.