Transforming Death Care with Natural Organic Reduction (NOR) a.k.a. Human Composting:
An Inside Look at Return Home
Natural Organic Reduction (NOR), or human composting, offers a groundbreaking way to approach death care. This eco-friendly process redefines how we say goodbye to loved ones while giving back to the earth.
At the forefront of this movement is Return Home, a funeral home that has seamlessly integrated innovative funeral home software with sustainable practices to change the future of death care. Micah Truman, CEO of Return Home, recently discussed his journey, the NOR process, and his vision for the industry on The Direct Cremation Podcast.
Micah Truman: Pioneering Sustainable Funeral Practices
Micah Truman’s journey to founding Return Home started far from the funeral industry. With years of experience in advertising and finance—including a decade in China—Truman sought to build businesses that created measurable environmental benefits.
When Washington became the first state to legalize NOR, Truman recognized an opportunity to revolutionize funeral arrangements with a sustainable approach. That vision inspired the creation of Return Home, where he combined funeral management systems and cremation software with eco-friendly innovation.
How Does Natural Organic Reduction (NOR) Work?
Return Home’s NOR process is both efficient and natural, transforming human remains into soil within two months. The system combines the latest technology with time-tested organic methods:
- Preparation: The body is placed in a vessel filled with natural materials such as alfalfa, straw, and sawdust.
- Transformation: Microbial activity breaks down the body, heating it to approximately 160°F and converting it into nutrient-rich soil.
- Completion: The bones, after undergoing reduction, are reintegrated into the soil. Families receive approximately 250 pounds of compost, perfect for nurturing plants or gardens.
This process eliminates harmful emissions and aligns with the values of families seeking greener alternatives. Unlike traditional cremation, NOR produces fertile soil, reinforcing its appeal as an environmentally friendly solution.
Bridging Emotional and Practical Needs
Return Home doesn’t stop at offering innovative funeral home ideas—it also reimagines the emotional experience for grieving families. Services like “laying-in” ceremonies give families a meaningful way to say goodbye. They can decorate the vessel with personal items and spend quiet time with their loved one. This personal touch, powered by thoughtful funeral planning software, sets Return Home apart from traditional funeral homes.
Making NOR Accessible to All
Return Home ensures transparency in its pricing, offering NOR services for $4,950, a cost comparable to cremation in high-demand areas but far less than traditional burials. Families across the United States, including rural and urban communities, find value in this service. The business also serves families from over 30 states in Canada, demonstrating the scalability of its funeral home management software and operations.
However, Truman acknowledges the challenges of bringing NOR to smaller funeral homes. Managing this process requires specialized training and advanced funeral arranging software to ensure smooth operations. To address this, Return Home partners with funeral homes nationwide, expanding access to this groundbreaking service.
Why Families Choose NOR?
Families often choose NOR because it aligns with their environmental values, but many also find deep emotional significance in the process. Truman shared a story about a family who used the soil to grow plants that supported bees, honoring their late child’s love for nature. Stories like these illustrate how online funeral arrangements and cremation websites can foster personal, meaningful connections during times of loss.
What Lies Ahead for Return Home?
Micah Truman envisions a future where NOR becomes a standard option in the death care industry. Return Home plans to expand its facilities and partner with more funeral homes, helping families everywhere embrace this sustainable alternative. By leveraging funeral tech and scalable systems, the company continues to drive innovation in crematory software and funeral management systems.
Natural Organic Reduction a.k.a. Body Composting isn’t just an alternative to traditional burial or cremation—it represents a transformative shift in how we view death care. By blending sustainability, innovation, and emotional support, Return Home paves the way for a brighter, greener future.
To learn more, watch the latest episode of The Direct Cremation Podcast at https://bit.ly/40zMDfx!