Natural Organic Reduction – Complete the Natural Cycle

How is NOR going to change the traditional funeral?
That depends on how legislation and administrative agencies in each state set the requirements for NOR companies and on how NOR companies and funeral homes set their business models to include NOR.
 
“Traditional” funeral service is generally thought to mean a funeral at a funeral home where a casket is present, where the casket is either open or closed, and after the service there is a procession of vehicles to the cemetery, a grave-side moment of remembrance, the decent of the casket into the burial vault, the closing of the burial vault/grave, and a food reception with family and friends following. This “traditional” model now represents less than 50% of funerals. Cremation, including direct to cremation, has in many ways eliminated the need for going to the cemetery, however, cremation has only in part done away with the funeral service. Many still choose to have the funeral with either the body in a cremation box, or an urn with the cremains, or no body and no cremains at the service. With cremation, “traditional” has evolved to mean that the body is often not present.
 
A funeral or memorial with NOR may either take place close to the time of death or at some later time depending on the desires of the family and the requirements of state law. One option is to hold a laying-in ceremony as part of a memorial or funeral soon after death with a small group of family and close friends present, then at a later date, such as when the NOR process has finished and the soil/compost is available, to then hold a larger gathering for a memorial or funeral.
 
A funeral or memorial with NOR often includes a laying-in ceremony where the body is shrouded and is placed with organic matter in the processing vessel and during the ceremony the family and friends, or the staff of the NOR company, lay flowers, woodchips, straw, alfalfa, etc., over the body, the processing vessel is then closed and the service is completed. Then the family often hosts a meal and a gathering with socialization.
 
A main difference in the funeral service with NOR has to do with timing and the states laws and rules regarding time to final disposition. For example, in Michigan final disposition must take place within 48 hours. Final disposition includes burial or cremation and there is an allowance that if these do not take place with 48 hours then the body must be embalmed. Embalming works to stop the natural decomposition process and is not compatible with NOR. So, it depends on how the NOR legislation is passed in Michigan. If the 48-hour requirement stays in effect, then NOR must be started within 48 hours.
 
Boundless has a plan for making the NOR process more beneficial for the family and funeral home. We will provide details as the plan is tailored to meet the new state laws regarding NOR.
 
Are there other companies or individuals working to bring NOR to Michigan?
There probably are individuals and companies besides Boundless that are working to bring NOR to Michigan, however we have no direct knowledge of their activities.
 
What is Natural Organic Reduction (NOR)?
Natural Organic Reduction (NOR) or “Human Composting” is a gentle, natural process that utilizes naturally occurring microbes, bacteria and protozoa to transform loved ones into environmentally friendly soil to nourish and replenish the earth. NOR is an earth friendly alternative to cremation or traditional burial. The process gently transforms a body into earth friendly soil over approximately 45 to 60 days.
 
What is the History of NOR?
The first state to have signed legislation to provide for Natural Organic Reduction was Washington in May of 2019 with an effective date of May 1, 2020. Since then NOR has become legal in 12 states and as of January 2025 legislation was pending in 8 states. NOR is also practiced in Germany.
 
What Companies are currently providing NOR in the US?
              Recompose                                      https://recompose.life/
              Return Home                                   https://returnhome.com/
              Earth Funeral Group, Inc.                https://earthfuneral.com/
 
Is NOR available in other counties?
Yes. A form of NOR is available in Germany, and possibly China.
 
Are there any national or international NOR professional/trade associations?
The Natural Organic Reduction Association  (NORA)              https://nora.earth/
 
Is NOR Legal in Michigan?
No. Legislation has not been introduced in Michigan
 
How does the cost of NOR compare to other options?
In general, NOR is typically less expensive than in ground burial and more expensive that cremation. Costs vary considerably depending on the total package of services selected.
 
Are there any limitations on who is eligible for NOR?
Most are eligible for Natural Organic Reduction. Those who had or are suspected of having a prion disease, Ebola, a mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, or who died as a result of a radiological incident or accident, are not eligible.
 
What happens to nonorganic materials during NOR?
Nonorganic materials such as artificial hips and dental fillings are removed either before, during, or after the process. Typically, most facilities must hold a license for the handling of medical waste and therefore these items are signed over to the facility. You may wish to inquire of the facility you are using. Boundless NOR intends to work with a non-profit organization that will use the proceeds from the sale of recovered materials to provide financial support to offset costs for minor children and the indigent.
 
What is the science behind NOR?
The science behind NOR is complex and also simple. When animals die in nature they fall to the surface of the earth where naturally occurring microbes convert the remains into soil. NOR uses individual vessels to use these natural processes to convert bodies into soil over a 6 to 8 week period.
                                          
Is there a size or weight limit?
Some NOR providers cannot process bodies over a certain weight, such as 300 lbs. Boundless NOR will be able to accept decedents up to 800lbs by special arrangement.
                           
What are the benefits of NOR?
NOR is possibly the most environmentally friendly option for death care. It does not require chemicals be introduced to stop the decomposition process as is used in embalming. It does not use combustible greenhouse gases to burn the body and because there are no temperatures over 160 degrees +/- NOR does not create the unfriendly chemicals that are created during cremation. NOR does not use valuable land for eternity. Ground water contamination related to traditional in-ground burial is avoided. The list of benefits is extensive. If you do some research, you may be surprised.
 
Is NOR more or less earth friendly than burial and cremation?
NOR is far superior environmentally to either traditional burial or cremation. See the above question.
 
What other terms are used to describe NOR?
Recomposition
Soil Transformation
Body Composting
Terramation
 
With NOR not being legal in Michigan, how can we have NOR for a loved one?
Companies legally operating in others states generally work with families and funeral homes that are out of state. Please contact Boundless if you would like assistance in finding an out of state NOR provider.
 
Why is NOR environmentally friendly?
NOR is a natural process utilizing natural microorganisms. It does not have the environmental concerns of traditional burial, cremation, or embalming.
 
Is NOR the same as aquamation?
No, aquamation is not the same as NOR. Aquamation is alkaline hydrolysis. It uses a basic solution to dissolve the body into a solution.
 
How does embalming impact NOR?
Embalming uses chemicals to prohibit the natural decay of the body. Embalming is not compatible with NOR and therefore bodies that have been embalmed are not currently eligible for NOR.
             
When will Boundless NOR open for business?
Boundless NOR will open for business some time on or after the effective date of the legalizing legislation and the issuance of an operating license from the regulatory authority. If you would like NOR to be an option in Michigan, please check back to this website. In the near future we will have a place for you to express your interest to the legislators who will make NOR possible.              
 
Will Boundless operate as a full-service Funeral Home?
In the event that NOR is added to the Mortuary Act Boundless may be required to obtain a license as a funeral home. If NOR is placed in a separate act, that act will determine the requirements.
 
How will we make arrangements with Boundless NOR?
Boundless NOR will operate the processing facility(s) in Michigan and other states and will provide services on both a wholesale and retail basis. Boundless will work with the approved local funeral director of your choice in your local community and in limited circumstances will serve the public directly. While it will be convenient for most families to work with their approved local funeral home when needing to care for a loved one who has passed, Boundless will also work directly with the public such as serving families from out of state, or when the family chooses to work directly with Boundless. Once NOR is legal in Michigan you will find links on our website to participating funeral homes in your local area. Whether you come directly to Boundless or work through your approved local funeral home, the base price for NOR processing by Boundless will be the same. Additional services will be available through Boundless and/or your local funeral home and the costs related to those additional services are/will be available upon request.
 
Where will Boundless be located?
Boundless is currently analyzing locations throughout Michigan to determine how best to serve the people of Michigan and the funeral industry. One hurdle that NOR companies have been having in other states is that local zoning ordinances do not address NOR companies because NOR companies did not exist prior to 2020.
 
Who are the members of the internal Boundless Team?
Daniel R Holland, President and Founder
Dalton Brown, Principal/Co-Founder
Samuel Stamper, Principal/Co-Founder
Kaitlyn Stamper, Principal/Co-Founder
Michael Holland, Data Mapping Specialist
 
What markets will Boundless NOR Serve?
Boundless plans on serving the entire state of Michigan and after that will consider expanding into other market areas.
 
How do I contact Boundless NOR?
Please email us at info@BoundlessNOR.com
 
Are soil and compost the same thing?
Soil is often sand, silt and clay with a small portion of organic matter.
Compost is decomposed organic matter and generally does not contain sand, silt or clay.
These definitions are very simplified. NOR produces compost, not soil, however the terms are often interchanged and are often meant to refer to either or both. Boundless is considering adding some sand, silt, and/or clay into the mix and if so, would technically be making soil not compost.
 
Is NOR safe and environmentally friendly?
Yes, NOR is safe and environmentally friendly. The temperatures maintained during NOR are effective at removing environmental hazards.
 
What does the NOR compost look like?
The compost produced during NOR is a rich brown color. The texture varies depending on the size of the amendment (wood chips, saw dust, straw, alfalfa, flowers, etc.) used.
 
What does NOR compost smell like?
 It is often described as having an earthy aroma.
                                          
How much soil/compost is produced?
The amount of soil produced varies with the size and weight of the body and is typically about one cubic foot.
 
Can all or part of the soil be returned to us?
All or part of the compost/soil can be returned to you and you may choose to donate all or part of the soil/compost to maintain nature areas.  Boundless is seeking to partner with a non-profit conservation group that can use soil in their restoration projects. We are also exploring the possibility of having a dedicated scattering ground that would serve as a location for families to plant flowers and plants, possibly trees. As this concept develops, we will provide more details here in our website.
 
How will the soil be returned to us?  How will the soil be packaged?
We will arrange for delivery of the soil to you, to the funeral home, or you may pick it up from us. The soil will be packaged, probably in bags made from natural fibers such as burlap.
 
How will we know the soil we receive is our loved one?
Boundless will use a tracking system that is compatible with the Michigan mandated system. The system will ensure that the soil returned is of your loved one.

Feel free to contact us with any questions, comments, or concerns.