D+D Series: Human Composting and Returning to Nature - A Revolution in Death Care with the First Human Composting Company, Recompose

On the Table with Ashley

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Sustainability in death is on the table today! In this episode, we are joined by Laura Sullivan Cassidy. Laura is the client experience leader at Recompose, a death care company based in Seattle Washington. As the world’s first human composting company, Recompose offers a sustainable alternative to traditional methods of burial and cremation. Inspired by her own personal grief journey, Laura began working in death care in 2020. Her training as a death doula coupled with her professional experience in a traditional funeral home setting, aids her transformative work at Recompose.

Laura sits down with Ashley to delve into the inception and mission of Recompose, exploring its innovative approach to sustainability and its profound impact on death care practices. Together, they discuss the importance of a more human-centered, environmentally conscious approach to caring for ourselves, our loved ones, and the planet—even in death.

Grief often stifles us. With this episode, and the Death + Dying series as a whole, we aim to foster open dialogue about the often uncomfortable topics of death and grief. Our hope is that with an open heart and curiosity we can support important causes, learn how to show up for people in our lives who are suffering, increase our meaningful connection to one another, and hopefully find more peace. No subject is off-limits in our pursuit of meaningful connection.
You can learn more about Laura and Recompose at Recompose’s website.

Follow Laura on Instagram.

Follow Recompose on Instagram, Facebook and Linkedin.

Follow On the Table with Ashley on Instagram and TikTok.

Watch Katrina Spade’s TED Talk.

Schedule a Recompose Virtual Tour.

Read about the Human Composting Soil Research Pilot Study by Dr.Lynne Carpenter Boggs.

Read The New York Times article, A Project to Turn Corpses into Compost, by Catrin Einhorn.

Read Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner.

Read Heaven Is a Place on Earth: Searching for an American Utopia by Adrian Shirk.

Read Having and Being Had by Eula Biss.

On the Table with Ashley is presented by Âme Atendre, a luxury home goods and tableware brand with a mission to connect people to all that matters.

If you have ideas for new episodes or guests, or just want to share feedback, email us at [e-mail].