Climate neutral funerals: 'Re-earthing' is introduced in Germany

A new form of burial is being introduced in northern Germany for those who want to leave the world in climate-friendly fashion, reported dpa.

How? The Berlin company Circulum Vitae brings the process of "re-earthing" to European soil for the first time.

The deceased is placed in a so-called "cocoon," similar to a coffin, in which microorganisms and "modern green technology" transform the corpse into a kind of humus within 40 days.

This is subsequently buried at a depth of only 30 centimetres and covered with a layer of earth.

The first body is currently decomposing in the cocoon in the town of Mölln, in northern Germany. Once it is ready to be re-earthed at the end of March, the cocoon will be cleaned and prepared for its next occupant.

A member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church explained that, "the end of one's life also contributes to the carbon footprint of every individual."

Compared with cremation, re-earthing may save 1 ton of CO2 per person. It is a process that has already been possible in the US for a year.

And it's not only about the climate benefits. Hilke Lage, a local pastor in Mölln, explains: Re-earthing is "a good alternative for all those who feel uncomfortable with the idea of interment or cremation."