A Gentle End-of-Life Choice that Gives Back
Advocacy and Education for Ecological Death Care in Florida.
A Gentle End-of-Life Choice that Gives Back
Advocacy and Education for Ecological Death Care in Florida.
Advocacy and Education for Ecological Death Care in Florida.
Advocacy and Education for Ecological Death Care in Florida.

Legalizing Natural Organic Reduction (NOR) in Florida is about more than just a new way to handle death—it’s about providing Floridians with a choice that aligns with the state’s unique environmental needs and the values of its residents. Our mission is to advocate, educate and nurture.

The science of Natural Organic Reduction (NOR) is based on aerobic decomposition—the same biological process that happens on a forest floor, but accelerated and controlled within a specialized environment.
Rather than using high heat (cremation) or chemicals (embalming), NOR relies on microbiology to return the body to its elemental building blocks.

In Florida, citizens play a vital role in moving Natural Organic Reduction (NOR) from a "new idea" to a "legal right." Since NOR is not yet authorized in Florida, the "Return 2 Earth Project" website should guide visitors through clear, tiered actions.
We rely on the generosity of our supporters to fund our advocacy and outreach efforts. Your donation will help us continue to fight for ecological death care in Florida.

Stay up-to-date on the latest news and events from our organization. Follow us on social media, sign up for our newsletter, or attend one of our "Let's Talk About Death" gatherings to connect with our community.

We welcome feedback, questions, and partnership opportunities. Contact us via email or phone, or attend one of our community events.


Unlike cremation, which releases roughly 530 lbs of CO2 per person, NOR is a carbon-sequestering process. It captures carbon in the soil and prevents the release of greenhouse gases, saving an estimated 1 metric ton of CO2 per individual.
In crowded urban areas where cemetery space is scarce and expensive, NOR eliminates the need for permanent burial plots. This allows land to be repurposed for housing, parks, or wildlife habitats rather than being occupied by traditional concrete vaults and caskets.
The process creates approximately one cubic yard of healthy soil that can be used in home gardens, restore local forests, nourish urban gardens, or revitalize degraded ecosystems, turning a final act into a gift of biodiversity.
Click here for a letter template to write your local representatives.
Please reach us at return2earthproject@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Return to Earth Project is a non-profit organization advocating for more end of life care options in the state of Florida.
There are many ways to get involved with Return to Earth Project, such as volunteering, donating, and participating in events.
Natural Organic Reduction, often called human composting, is a gentle, biological process that accelerates the natural decomposition of human remains into nutrient-rich soil. Instead of using fire (cremation) or chemicals (traditional burial), a controlled, aerobic process with organic materials like wood chips, alfalfa, and straw.
Not quite. While both are eco-friendly, a Green Burial involves placing a body directly in the ground in a biodegradable shroud or casket. NOR takes place in a specialized vessel over several weeks, resulting in soil that can then be used to nourish gardens, forests, or conservation lands and does not take up land space.
The entire transformation typically takes 45 to 60 days. This includes the active reduction phase and a "curing" period where the soil rests and stabilizes before it is ready to be returned to the family or donated.
For every person who chooses NOR over traditional burial or cremation, we prevent approximately one metric ton of carbon from entering the atmosphere. It also:
Yes. The process reaches high temperatures (between 131°F and 160°F) that naturally destroy pathogens. The resulting soil is tested for safety and is remarkably clean, rich, and perfect for supporting new plant life.
Urban cemeteries are rapidly reaching capacity, and land is becoming incredibly expensive. NOR allows urban residents to have a meaningful "return" without occupying physical land forever. It turns an end-of-life choice into a resource that can revitalize urban community gardens and city parks.
Absolutely. That is one of the goals of Return 2 Earth. To secure land preservation agreements.
We will partner with local land trusts and urban reforestation projects. If you or your family do not wish to keep the soil, you can opt to have it used for Return 2 Earth's conservation initiatives, helping to grow new green spaces in our communities once legalized.
Legality is changing quickly. As of 2026, NOR is legal in 14+ states (including Washington, New York, California, and New Jersey), with many others currently considering legislation. It it is not yet legal in Florida, we assist with helping you coordinate with a state where the process is authorized.

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