My mom heard about Earth Funeral, and their human composting process that appears to be much more environmentally sound than burial or cremation. I really like the concept, too, but had basic questions, like: (1) how much is this going to cost? and (2) what happens if your company goes out of business? Long story short, I spent a lot of hours researching this company and numerous emails back and forth with their representative Nicole Smith (who was very nice and friendly), but as I told her, we just are not comfortable with the process or their operations at this point. Primarily: 1. They would not or could not answer our simple question of whether the price we were quoted of $5K is all we would ever need to pay; they said I would need to call and ask the Insurance Company, Homestead Insurance. 2. I called Homestead Insurance (no answer), so looked them up online and found they had horrible reviews from customers on BBB, claiming that they were not responsive, did not communicate re: amounts owed, and over-charged them by thousands of dollars; 3. I was told that if Earth Funeral did not, or could not, perform the contract, my only recourse would be to go through Homestead Insurance, which I would not want to have to do (see #2 above). 4. I asked for a copy of their contract to review. It is only a 2-page contract, but was written in such a way that: (a) I can't understand it, and I've been a lawyer for over 30 years; (b) the Earth Funeral representative Nicole said she herself did not understand it, that it was in "legalese," and (c) if Earth Funeral and a 30-year lawyer can't understand it, there is no way that the average consumer trying to purchase burial benefits for themselves or their family can understand it. Either it is negligently, very poorly written and needs to be re-written to plain, clear English, or it is intentionally vague and confusing to mislead consumers. When human composting becomes legal in California next year in January 2027, we will renew our research to select the best and most appropriate and reputable company available. I told Earth Funeral that we are happy to consider them at that time, assuming they have ended their affiliation with Homestead Insurance and revised their contract to be clearly written and understandable, such that all consumers (and themselves!) can easily understand it. As I told them, I wish them, and all similar companies in this industry success if they are able to provide their services ethically and honestly, provide clear and understandable agreements, and put the interests of their clients first. After all the time and effort I spent researching this company, I just felt I owed it to others to prepare this review to hopefully save others some time, and ensure they get answers to the questions important to them. read more

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Story changed reference several things after final payment cleared. Loved and still love the idea of helping to health the earth. I have long referred to myself as a earth-keeper. But several things changed after payment that I'm not happy with. Things others might want know about. Was initially told my body soil would go to where it was most needed. One of the two primary spots was near water, a river. Had two near-drowning incidents earlier in life. Stated 4 (four) times NOT NEAR WATER. Was told it would go where it was most needed. I had no choice. When I checked back recently, I was told my sister, who is "family" by last name only, would make the decision where my body soil goes. She likes water, I don't. She doesn't know me, I left home when she was 10 years old. Plus she went dark because she'd changed her mind about being involved. Too many pressures in her own life - lost job, related stress, etc. Me having no choice where my body soil was going to end up was changed to my sister choosing. Not what I was told or want. It should be my choice. My sister didn't pay for anything and wants no part of any of this. But it's her choice now where my remains end up? In addition, before everything was locked in, I'd asked at least three times what the minimum number of containers of body soil were that could be sent to my sister. Chris repeatedly said three. I didn't like that and said so. But during a recent discussion he said the minimum number was one. I asked then that he number to be sent to my sister be changed to one. Couldn't be done. Then I requested no body soil be set her. That would have saved them money. Again, was told that couldn't be done. Chris said everything was legally locked in and couldn't be changed. I explained about my sister going dark and withdrawing, it didn't matter. And his personality changed to trying to use some strong-arm tactics. All I wanted was to block my sister from getting any body soil after I found out she didn't want any, and I learned I'd been misled as to the quantity. Again, they refused to change or cancel the number of containers to be shipped to her. What they are planning on doing will only make a bad situation worse. Bottom line: Though I am the one who paid the bill, I now have no say, and some important wishes will not be honored. That is not good customer service. Again, one request has been ongoing (body soil to be used away from water- for very valid reasons.) The other surfaced after finding out I'd been misled about the minimum number of containers of body soil to be sent. I tried to make it easier by just totally cancelling the number of containers of body soil, but they refused. So be careful. Also, an observation. I am questioning how legal and/or binding the paperwork from Homesteaders Life Company is. Reasons: I didn't sign or initial any paperwork, and none of the paperwork from them is notarized. There are no original signatures, and every "signature" or set of initials allegedly from me are facsimile. Someone else signed for me without my knowledge or permission. So I don't know legal or trustworthy that document is. Second, they spelled my name wrong in several places. Careless or deliberate I don't know. I haven't changed my mind, and don't want to cancel the 'contract.' I just wish things had been more honest and legal. And I others to periodically follow-up to make sure things haven't changed with their agreement. And for others to make sure their insurance paperwork is accurate. read more

I watched the Earth Funeral webinar that my friend had signed up to. Their composting process is exactly what I know to be the right thing to do in today's world of excessive pollution. In my comparative shopping I found composting to be the best value too. I spoke with one of their very kind associates and signed up easily. My remains will enrich our Earth-- almost a gift to the planet-- joy! read more

When my husband passed away, we had not really had a full discussion on final arrangements. I went with Earth-Funeral throwing "caution to the wind". A couple of small glitches, but I have no regrets! After meeting some of the Earth-Funeral team at my husband's resting place, I had no hesitation prepaying arrangements for myself. The team are young, but very (comforting) professionals. read more

The Earth Funeral staff has give excellent support. I have made several calls to get questions answered and the response has been quick and informative. The web site is full of useful information. In short, I believe I'm dealing with a very professional organization. read more

We were updating our trust and realized that we no longer liked the idea of cremation. Earth Funeral came up in Google for soil transformation. With great email communication, a friendly phone call and an estimate online, within two weeks, our kids have been informed and our plans are in place. The kids all think it's a great idea! It's better for our planet too! read more

The people at Earth are knowledgeable and compassionate. I am an environmentalist and composting is the most green option available. It doesn't take up any valuable space on Earth, and I love the idea of my body being recycled into plants and trees. The people at Earth made it easy to sign up, and I'm very happy to have my plans settled. read more

My wife and I have had "figure out funeral wishes " on our to-do list for a while now. When an ad for Earth Funeral was served up on Instagram, we decided to check it out. We had considered aquamation, green burial, mushroom suits, but Earth Funeral was the first option that checked ALL the boxes for us: our bodies will become rich soil (!!) using primarily our own existing microbes, we'll take up no precious space underground, the process of breaking down our bodies into compost is done in a 100% renewable energy facility--the whole process is so smart and so aligned with our values. Thank you, Earth, for making this dream come true for us. We sleep better knowing we'll sooner or later be feeding ourselves back to the earth. read more

In considering after-death plans, both my wife and I were not at all interested in standard burial or cremation. After researching Earth's composting process online and speaking with Chris, one of their representatives, all of our questions were answered, and we felt Earth's composting process made total sense. It is basically a completely natural organic process that is efficient, saves space, and helps the environment. We decided to use their services, and the sign-up process for their pre-paid option was effortless. We are very relieved to have made this important decision and to know that our last action on earth will be to benefit our planet. read more

I recently completed the process for a prepaid funeral with Earth Funeral. The online process was simple. Now my family knows that this is my choice, and relieves them of any decisions. The brochure I received in the mail detailed what made sense to me. I was relieved to have a third option that caused the least damage to the environment. I love trees! read more

I first contacted Earth not knowing anything at all about the process. The rep I spoke with took his time and carefully answered all of my questions. I was so impressed, I joined that day. I have gained so much peace knowing my family will be well cared for when my time comes and that my life will culminate in an ecologically sound and beautiful physical conclusion. I highly recommend that you make the call! read more

I always knew that I wanted my remains to benefit our planet in some way and once I found Earth Funeral I knew I found the right solution. Their customer service was very professional and helped me find the right options that fit my circumstances. Now my final arrangements are in place so it's something my family won't have to worry about when my days are over. read more