Growing new life after death: Plan to compost human bodies moves forward



SEATTLE -- A local woman's idea to compost people after they've passed away is starting to breathe new life. She is getting support from around the globe and some are already lining up to become one with the Earth.

“Death is part of our lives and how we deal with our dead bodies is part of the living,” said Grace Seidel.

Q13 FOX first introduced you to Grace back in November. It was then she spoke out in support of a new idea called the Urban Death Project, humans becoming compost when they die.

“I bought my space in the core, so I can be composted,” said Grace.

Today, Grace is one of five people now securing their places to be composted after donating to a new kick starter.

“I've gotten so much interest from around the globe, actually, for the project to actually happen, for it to truly become reality,” said Katrina Spade.

Katrina is the brains behind the Urban Death Project, a multi-tiered building where a collective pile of bodies can compost over time and ultimately be used as fertilizer. She has plans to build the very first Urban Death Project in Seattle.

“The donations have been coming in from all around the world including the Netherlands, the UK, Canada, tons in the US and, of course, in Seattle. People want this to happen,” said Katrina.

The Kickstarter began just three weeks ago and already they've raised 90-percent of their $75,000 goal.

“It’sjust so inspiring to have people actually signing up and saying ‘yes, this is something we want’," said Katrina.

“This is something that works for our cities, where many of us live, and you can still be part of your city,” said Grace.

Right now, the concept is still considered unlawful disposal of human remains. But with so much momentum behind her, Katrina is convinced that will change.

“I’ve been talking with a few law makers who are interested in putting together a bill. I think it’s something where people are interested in having more options, not fewer. Shouldn't we have as many options as we want for our bodies after we die?” said Katrina.

“It just shows you there's a need. There's a need for some new ideas out there. People are ready to consider new means of what to do with their bodies after they've passed away,” said Grace.

For more information on the Urban Death Project’s kick starter campaign, click here.