• Got_Bent@lemmy.world
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    11 months ago

    Only certain states, right?

    I catch ask a mortician on YouTube every once in a while. She’s a big advocate of the composting and the water cremation.

    • Shelbyeileen@lemmy.world
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      11 months ago

      Yup! Human composting is only legal in Vermont, California, Washington, Oregon, Colorado right now.

      That channel gets enough wrong that I can’t support it. The biggest thing wrong that I’ve heard a million times is that you don’t have to be embalmed. If there is going to be a viewing, more than 48 hours after death, even just with next of kin; there, legally, has to be embalming to stop the biohazard risk in most states. If you want a direct burial or cremation, you don’t need to be embalmed; but if the public will be around the deceased, embalming is almost always required. Even in those that aren’t mandatory after 48 hours, there’s a massive liability waiver because of how dangerous it is, and you won’t be able to touch them without gloves.

      • Got_Bent@lemmy.world
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        11 months ago

        Bummer that she gets things wrong like that. I mostly just watch her tell historical stories. She can spin a mighty entertaining yarn.

        • Shelbyeileen@lemmy.world
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          11 months ago

          Oh definitely. I created a show after I had to stop mortuary work (genetic disability) because it’s fascinating. I even ran the Wayne State University Funeral History Museum for 3 years.