This article was about an interesting spin on composting. HUMAN composting - to be exact. Using a human body in a composting facility to create nutrient rich soil. Its part of a project created by Katrina Spade, founder and director of the Urban Death Project. The Article was in the New York Times. I have all sorts of weird thoughts going through my head about this. Granted a lot of them are because I probably read waaay too much in the horror genre. But if you take out the creepy aspect of the idea, I think it makes a lot of sense. I mean all sorts of organic materials can be used in composting - not just banana peels and coffee grounds. And our bodies are some of the most organic things around. So why not?
And I know our cemeteries are filling up daily. Sorry to sound blunt, but its a obvious fact of life. So one day there will be a lot less room for them. What will we do then? Build double-deckers or something? Even that would only solve the space problem for so long. Then what? A lot of folks have mixed feeling on cremation. And I guess that's sort of where my thoughts are leading, as well.
I'm not as versed in Biblical phrases and meanings as some of my girls, but I do wonder how this would fit into the common belief that Christians should be buried. In order to have a body to rise when our Lord calls us to rise. Again, I don't know that it says one way or another in the Good Book (but you can bet I'll be reading up on it soon!) but it would stand to reason that not everyone was actually "buried" from back in the day. And those who were? Surely the bones have turned to dust by this point in time, so there is no longer a "body" to rise up. That being the case (most likely), it leads me to believe God will create us in whatever likeness he chooses when that day comes.
So lets say, we find out its ok to celebrate the lives of our deceased in ways other than a traditional burial. (Yes, I know its "OK" as in the PC manner of ok- I'm ok, you're, ok., we're ALL ok - but you know what I mean.) How would this composting thing go over with the general public? I mean, personally, I think its kinda cool. God made us these fabulous bodies that can still be used to give life even after death. Through organ donation, scientific studies, you name it...why NOT giving life back to the earth, too?
The article stated Ms. Spade is working on something called "composting centers." Or something similar. The first one to be in Seattle. Mourners would bring the bodies and deposit them into the center. After a certain allotment of time, they are welcome to come back and collect the compost to use as they see fit. If not, it will be used in various places.
Its a lot to mull over, I know. But you have to admit it is interesting. Right? Another thread to this is her name. Katrina Spade. Wonder if she ever goes by Kate Spade? Wonder if she KNOWS Kate Spade? Wonder if together they would come out with a line of designer body bags specifically for composting centers?
I know, I know....you don't even have to say it. I know.