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    Specter of ‘Soylent Green’ raised in legislative debate over human composting, which proponents say is an eco-friendly way to deal with remains

    Daniel Hennessy’s mother didn’t want to be buried when she died, because she didn’t want her body to take up any land. He wasn’t a fan of cremation, but given his mother’s request, he felt that was the only option when she died a few years ago. Hennessey began reading up on a process called natural organic reduction, which allows human remains to be converted into soil. It’s also known as ...
    by Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune Apr 25, 2023 5 minutes
    Daniel Hennessy, of Chicago, Illinois, hangs out with his dog, Biggie, at their home on April 21, 2023.

    Daniel Hennessy’s mother didn’t want to be buried when she died, because she didn’t want her body to take up any land.

    He wasn’t a fan of cremation, but given his mother’s request, he felt that was the only option when she died a few years ago.

    Hennessey began reading up on a process called natural organic reduction, which allows human remains to be converted into soil. It’s also known as “human composting.”

    He came to find it both honorable and eco-friendly.

    “I think that the human composting option appears to be the best for the environment. It makes sense. It’s a slow process. So it feels a bit more dignified than being burned at 1,200 degrees,” said Hennessy, a native of England who lives in Chicago.

    At Hennessy’s urging, state Rep. Kelly Cassidy, a Chicago Democrat,tried early last year to push through legislation that

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