Natural Organic Reduction

Natural Organic Reduction: A Sustainable and Meaningful Farewell

At Starks Funeral Parlor, we are honored to offer natural organic reduction (also known as human composting) as a natural and environmentally responsible alternative to traditional burial and cremation. As the only provider of this service in Utah, we are committed to helping families choose a farewell that nourishes the earth and continues the cycle of life.

What is Natural Organic Reduction?

Natural organic reduction is a process that gently transforms the body into nutrient-rich soil over the course of 8 to 12 weeks. Developed by Recompose, this method utilizes a controlled environment to mimic nature’s organic decomposition process, returning the body to the earth in a way that supports soil health and reduces carbon emissions.

A Process Rooted in Nature

Natural organic reduction follows five essential stages:

  1. The Cycle Begins – After a loved one enters our care, families may choose to hold a ceremony or spend time with their loved one before the process starts.
  2. The Laying In – The loved one is placed in a specialized composting vessel surrounded by a carefully balanced mixture of organic materials such as wood chips, alfalfa, and straw.
  3. The Vessel – Naturally occurring microbes break down the body at a molecular level, creating nutrient-dense soil.
  4. The Soil – After 5 to 7 weeks in the vessel, the soil is moved to a curing bin for an additional 3 to 5 weeks, completing the transformation.
  5. Life After Death – The resulting soil can be used to nourish gardens and plants, scattered in a meaningful location, or donated to conservation efforts through the Recompose Land Program.

A Positive Impact on the Planet

Choosing natural organic reduction prevents approximately one metric ton of carbon pollution per person compared to conventional burial or cremation. It also uses 87% less energy, sequesters carbon, and eliminates the need for resource-intensive caskets, headstones, and embalming chemicals.

Giving Back to the Earth

The soil created through this process is rich in nutrients and supports plant life, contributing to a healthier environment. Families have the option to keep some or all of the soil for personal use or donate it to conservation projects.

Learn More

Starks Funeral Parlor is proud to be Utah’s exclusive provider of natural organic reduction in partnership with Recompose. For more information about this process and how it may be the right choice for you or a loved one, please visit Recompose or contact us directly.