106 Iowa L. Rev. 325 (2020)

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Abstract

Washington State became the first state to legalize "human coinposting" (also known as 'recomposition") as an available method offinal disposition. Recomposition is a process that ultimately turns the body into soil. It is more environmentally sustainable than traditional methods of disposition (i.e., burial and. cremation) and. is a crucial alternative in the face of increasing land, scarcity and climate change. Introducing recomposition into the death care market would bode well for consumers because it is cheaper than traditional, burial and it expands people's power of choice. Recomposition is safer than other death care occupations (i.e., embalming and cremating). Iowa should legalize human composting because it can serve as an affordable mortuary practice while promoting efficient land use, environmental protection, consumer' welfare, public health, and social, equality.