Green-Wood Cemetery, a historic 478-acre burial ground in Brooklyn, New York, is exploring a novel solution to the growing problem of limited space in American cemeteries: transforming human remains into nutrient-rich soil for gardening and landscaping. Faced with dwindling plots, the cemetery is investigating the practice of alkaline hydrolysis, also known as water cremation or natural organic reduction, as a potential alternative to traditional burial and cremation.

Alkaline hydrolysis involves placing the body in a pressurized vessel with water and an alkali, such as potassium hydroxide. The process accelerates the natural decomposition process, leaving behind sterile bone fragments and a liquid byproduct. The bone fragments are then dried and ground into a powder, which can be returned to the family or used to enrich soil.

The looming shortage of burial space is a nationwide concern. Many cemeteries across the United States are reaching capacity, prompting them to seek innovative and sustainable alternatives. Green-Wood Cemetery, established in 1837 and designated a National Historic Landmark, is among the first to seriously consider alkaline hydrolysis as a viable option. The process is already legal in many states and is considered an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cremation, which releases greenhouse gases.

While the idea of transforming loved ones into gardening soil may be unconventional for some, proponents highlight the ecological benefits and the potential to provide a meaningful and sustainable way to honor the deceased. Green-Wood Cemetery is currently conducting research and assessing the feasibility of implementing alkaline hydrolysis on its grounds, with the goal of offering families a wider range of end-of-life choices and addressing the long-term challenge of cemetery space.