LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Las Vegas now has an eco-friendlier way to lay loved ones to rest. It’s called human composting.
You may have a lot of questions. Watch the video below for answers.
Take a look inside Nevada’s first human composting facility
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We first told you about this last September not long after human composting was legalized in the legislative session.
This week, Earth Funeral, a green burial home based in Washington and specializing in soil transformations, opened a facility in Las Vegas.
Washington is the first state to legalize human composting.
Kevin Matthes, the supervising care advisor of the West Coast, gave Channel 13 a tour.
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“We specialize in social transformation and really that is what nature intended which is returning individuals back to Earth,” said Matthes.
So how does it work?
The body is first gently washed and placed in a biodegradable shroud. Then, the body is placed in a 7-foot vessel with organic mulch, wildflowers and wood chips.
In 30 to 45 days, the body is turned into about 300 pounds of soil.
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While families do have the option to take all of the soil, Matthes said most families opt to take up to five biodegradable containers of soil and the rest is taken to one of their conservation sites.
At these sites, Matthes said they plant trees, indigenous flowers and other plants.
He also said a benefit is that the soil can be spread in places meaningful to the family.
“They actually feel like it’s a part of me that’s giving back to the community,” said Matthes.
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Before the facility opened, Earth Funeral had helped several Las Vegas families, according to Matthes. So he believes, the facility will have a significant impact in the valley.
He said the option is becoming widely popular.
“I do think states are understanding the impact of the carbon release of a cremation,” said Matthes.
As for the cost, Matthes said an average package is about $5000.
The goal of the process is to help the planet while sending the spirits of loved ones to eternity.
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“We want to make it as simplistic and as sustainable as possible for future generations,” said Matthes.
Currently, human composting is legal in twelve states.
TRUCKEE — With another weather system just about done with Northern California, roads in the Northern California high country are open but still potentially treacherous on Christmas Day.
As of noon, there are no restrictions on both Interstate 80 and Highway 50 in the Sierra Nevada.
The same can’t be said for the smaller highways, however.
On Highway 89, Caltrans says chains or snow tires are required from Truckee to the Sierra/Plumas County line, and from Truckee to around 11 miles north of Truckee.
Highlighting how dangerous the conditions could be, on Christmas morning California Highway Patrol posted about a driver who nearly went completely off the side of the road near Emerald Bay. The vehicle had to be towed out.
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Further south, along Highway 88, Caltrans says chains are also still required on all vehicles from 6.5 miles east of Peddler Hill in Amador County to about 5 miles west of Picketts Junction in Alpine County.
Another impactful weather system is expected to arrive by Thursday in Northern California
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Cecilio Padilla
Cecilio Padilla is a digital producer for CBS Sacramento and a Sacramento-area native who has been covering Northern California for more than a decade.
Neither of the authors of “Homesteading 2.0” (Dec. 15 Review-Journal) lives in Nevada. Yet, they believe they are qualified to advocate for increased development of our public lands.
To date, much new development has focused on luxury housing and green energy projects, rather than the need for affordable housing. While the authors acknowledge our successful conservation efforts, they fail to mention that current residents are being heavily regulated by the water authority, facing penalties, and pressured to reduce water usage. Lawns are being replaced with desert landscaping, and ongoing development to accommodate growth is contributing to the urban heat island effect. This growth has led to more congested roadways, wildlife encroaching into urban areas due to habitat loss and reduced access to recreational spaces that residents once enjoyed.
One of the defining features of Las Vegas was the open space surrounding the valley, which has long been a unique advantage of living in the Southwest. We must carefully consider how much growth we are willing to support moving forward.
Due to rainy weather forecast, the Annual Menorah Lighting in Nevada City has been moved indoors to The Miners Foundry (325 Spring St, Nevada City). Co-sponsored by Chabad of Grass Valley and The Miners Foundry, this special and FREE Chanukah celebration will take place on Thursday, December 26, at 4:00 p.m., and the public is invited to join the fun.
This year, for the first time ever, the event will feature the lighting of a 12-foot illuminated menorah, the largest and brightest in Nevada County. The menorah lighting promises to be an inspiring and memorable moment, bringing the community and our elected officials together to celebrate the message of Chanukah.
The evening will also include a unique performance by a Hassidic fire performer from Brooklyn, adding excitement and energy to the festivities. Guests will enjoy live Chanukah music, singing, and dancing, along with warm Starbucks coffee. Delicious latkes and donuts will be served, and there will be Chanukah gelt and dreidels for everyone to enjoy.
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“Chanukah is about bringing more light into the world each day,” said Rabbi Nochum Yusewitz. “We’re grateful to be able to gather indoors this year to keep everyone warm and dry while celebrating the holiday together. Although it’s the 9th year we are organizing this, there are lots of ‘firsts’ this year so that’s very exciting.”
For more information about the event, about Chanukah or about Chabad call Rabbi Nochum at 530-404-0030 or email hello@JewishGV.com