Okay, this one is a little freaky but brilliant! Promession is a method of “freeze-drying” the body and then reducing it to a fine powder which then decomposes completely in 6-12 months. The Promessa Foundation is a Swedish entity which has been spreading the word about this revolutionary procedure. Promessa’s quest is to “Help people foster the concept of the “organic life cycle””. We indeed return to the earth in not only a dignified manner, but as a valuable contribution to the living earth…as mulch. What could be better? Okay, here’s the procedure as described by Promessa; the corpse is freeze-dried in liquid nitrogen. Within a week and a half after death, the corpse is frozen to minus 18 degrees Celsius and then submerged in liquid nitrogen. This makes the body very brittle, and vibration at specific amplitude transforms it into an organic powder that is then introduced into a vacuum chamber where the water is evaporated away. The now dry powder then passes through a metal separator where any surgical spare parts and mercury are removed. The remains are now ready to be laid in a coffin made of corn starch (also brilliant, a corn starch coffin). The burial can now take place (and there is no hurry) in a shallow grave. The surrounding soil turns the coffin and its contents into compost in about 6-12 months time. And now you can plant your favorite (or the deceased’s favorite) tree or bush or flower above the coffin. I’m sure you can use any biodegradable container of choice.
Now the bad news; I cannot find any US source which offers Promession as a traditional burial alternative. I understand that the UK is considering allowing Promession to be used there but I can find no news about franchises in the US. If anyone can help me here please leave a message in the “blog”.
Okay, this one is a little freaky but brilliant! Promession is a method of “freeze-drying” the body and then reducing it to a fine powder which then decomposes completely in 6-12 months. The Promessa Foundation is a Swedish entity which has been spreading the word about this revolutionary procedure. Promessa’s quest is to “Help people foster the concept of the “organic life cycle””. We indeed return to the earth in not only a dignified manner, but as a valuable contribution to the living earth…as mulch. What could be better? Okay, here’s the procedure as described by Promessa; the corpse is freeze-dried in liquid nitrogen. Within a week and a half after death, the corpse is frozen to minus 18 degrees Celsius and then submerged in liquid nitrogen. This makes the body very brittle, and vibration at specific amplitude transforms it into an organic powder that is then introduced into a vacuum chamber where the water is evaporated away. The now dry powder then passes through a metal separator where any surgical spare parts and mercury are removed. The remains are now ready to be laid in a coffin made of corn starch (also brilliant, a corn starch coffin). The burial can now take place (and there is no hurry) in a shallow grave. The surrounding soil turns the coffin and its contents into compost in about 6-12 months time. And now you can plant your favorite (or the deceased’s favorite) tree or bush or flower above the coffin. I’m sure you can use any biodegradable container of choice. 
