Lifestyle icon Martha Stewart has left her followers stunned after disclosing her unconventional plans for what happens to her body after death. The 84-year-old businesswoman and media personality stated she does not wish for a traditional burial or cremation, but instead intends to be 'composted'.
Podcast Revelation Sparks Debate
Stewart made the surprising announcement during an appearance on the QVC+ and HSN+ podcast 50+ & Unfiltered. When host Shawn Killinger asked if she preferred burial or cremation, Stewart's firm reply was, "I'm going to be composted." A confused Killinger sought clarification, prompting Stewart to elaborate on her unique vision.
She explained that on her property, she maintains a pet cemetery. "When one of my horses dies, we dig a giant, really deep hole in one of my fields," Stewart described. "The horse is wrapped in a clean white linen sheet and very carefully dropped down into this giant, lovely grave. I want to go there." She emphasised her disdain for coffins, quipping, "These coffin things, no way."
Legal Questions and Fan Reaction
Killinger questioned the legality of burying a horse, let alone a human, on private land. Stewart responded with characteristic defiance: "I don't know, why not? It's not gonna hurt anybody. It's my property." A clip from the interview quickly went viral on Instagram, dividing public opinion.
While some branded the idea as "wild," many voiced strong support for the eco-conscious method. One commenter, identifying as a crematory operator, praised the choice, noting a company that performs human composting and returns the soil to families for gardening. Others called it a sensible return of minerals to the earth, criticising traditional embalming and burial practices as wasteful and unnatural.
The Rise of 'Natural Organic Reduction'
Stewart's preference aligns with a growing funeral trend known as 'natural organic reduction' or human composting. This process, which takes about two months, involves placing a body in a steel vessel with wood chips and other biodegradable materials. The result is nutrient-rich soil, approximately enough to fill a pickup truck bed, which can be used in gardens or conservation projects.
In 2022, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill legalising the practice in the state by 2027. "I've always wanted to be a tree," said California state representative Cristina Garcia when the bill passed. "The idea of having my family sitting under my shade one day - that brings a lot of joy."
Human composting is currently legal in 12 other US states, including Washington, Colorado, New York, and Oregon. Legislation is pending in several others, including Massachusetts and Rhode Island, indicating a significant shift in attitudes towards end-of-life choices and environmental sustainability.
