Martha Stewart May Be the Perfect Spokesperson for Natural Organic Reduction

Domestic diva Martha Stewart is known for a lot of things — impeccable style, a brief prison stint, and being the BFF of Snoop Dogg and a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model, to name just a few — but we think she may have yet another role in her future: Human composing pitch person. 

Martha Stewart NOT Living

In a recent appearance on the podcast 50+ & Unfiltered, the 84-year-old lifestyle icon shared that she wants to be “composted” when she dies. Stewart explained that she envisions a final resting place similar to how she currently honors her horses — wrapped in linen and interred in a deep grave on her property in Katonah, New York. 

“When one of my horses dies, we dig a giant hole really deep in one of my fields — we have a pet cemetery — and the horse is wrapped in a clean white linen sheet and very carefully dropped down into this giant, lovely grave,” she said, according to People.com. “I want to go there. It’s not going to hurt anyone. It’s my property.”

Entertaining the idea

Stewart’s proposed process isn’t exactly what the profession knows as natural organic reduction (NOR), although the premise is spot-on. Professional NOR requires state approval, regulatory oversight, and licensed facilities to ensure public health and environmental safety. Composting directly on private property — even with the best intentions — is not the same as a sanctioned NOR facility, and in most jurisdictions remains legally restricted.

Stewart’s home state of New York does legally allow human composting as a disposition option. New York legalized the practice in a law signed by Governor Kathy Hochul in late 2022, with regulations to follow. However, New York has elicited some criticism from the deathcare community because it tucked NOR neatly under existing cremation laws, meaning that cemeteries were the only entities allowed to perform the process — not funeral homes or private companies. So far, no cemeteries have taken the state up on the invitation to establish a natural organic reduction service.

Coffin things and stuff

Stewart’s comment that it would be acceptable simply because it’s her property probably won’t cut it, either. Burial on private land typically still requires compliance with local and state regulations — including cemetery permits, depth requirements, and record keeping. And that’s a good thing (haha), because Martha Stewart isn’t interested at all in traditional burial. 

“These coffin things and all that stuff? No way,” she noted on the podcast.

At this point, Stewart’s best bet might be to do what many other New Yorkers have done — let her loved ones transport her body to an established facility in one of the other 13 states where NOR is legal. After 8 to 12 weeks, her soil could be returned to her property and used to nurture her 27 (!) stunning vegetable and flower gardens. 

Here’s Why There’s No Perfect Policy for Snapping Pics at Funerals

How many photos have you taken with your smartphone today? Well, if you’re an “average” American, you’ll go to bed tonight with approximately 20.2 more photos on your phone than you had when you woke up this morning. The convenience and quality output of the cameras on mobile devices (not to mention the irresistible urge to post pics to the socials on an hourly basis) means pretty much anything is fair game for a photo. And, like it or not, this includes photos being taken at funerals.

Plenty of firms have created policies about taking photos during visitations, funerals, graveside services, and cremations. Some even use strong language like “extremely poor taste” and “invasion of privacy” to deter the practice. Most of these guidelines stop short of spelling out potential penalties for disobedience, too, because, really, what are you going to do when the daughter who’s paying for the proceedings starts snapping selfies with the deceased? 

Crafting a photo policy is a challenge — and enforcing one is even harder. There’s just no single right answer to what should be allowed (except selfies with the deceased — that’s a flat no) … but that doesn’t mean that the internet isn’t offering plenty of opinions. Here are just a few of the issues you might run into, and some feedback from both sides of the argument.

The gang’s all here

Like a wedding, a funeral often brings together family members and friends who haven’t seen one another since the last wedding or funeral. This might be the only opportunity to get a pic with that long-lost cousin or a group photo of the last remaining sorority sisters! But someone who has just tearfully shared a touching story about the deceased may not appreciate their red nose and streaky mascara being caught on camera. Others may not want to be memorialized in a photo that makes them recall a sad or traumatizing day. Should people be posing for pictures with other guests? And if one does take that pic, should they smile or look serious and somber? 

YAY: “Not trying to be disrespectful, but a funeral or memorial isn’t all sadness and grief,” one responder posted to a Quora question on the topic. “Smiling in photos is fine as long as you want to smile. Being somber is also fine. For some families, this is the only time they ever get together. Celebrate what you can when you can.”

NAY: “No,” answered another person in the same post. “People are entitled to grieve without worrying about appearances. However discreet, it is a violation of privacy. It would be ok to say take pictures of the flowers or have the funeral stream for absentee family but from the point of view of a congregation member not showing mourners’ faces.”

Pics for posterity

This one’s tricky: Should anyone take photos of the deceased in the open casket? Thanks to your team’s care, grandma looks beautiful; why wouldn’t a family want to preserve her likeness for future generations? It wasn’t that long ago (ok, yes, it was the Victorian age, but still …) that families propped up their beloved deceased loved one for a family photo, as that may be the only image ever taken of that person. 

YAY: “I took some of my Dad at his viewing,” wrote someone on the Ask a Funeral Director subreddit last year. “My family got there first so I did it before my sister and her family arrived so I didn’t creep them out. He looked so good, though, I had to do it. He’d been bed bound and sick for three years and they made him look like himself again. 💜 I was so relieved.”

ALSO YAY: “My grandmother has a collection of framed viewing photos of her closest family, like her sister and her husband. Those were so important for her to have,” wrote another respondent to the same Reddit thread.

NAY: A morning radio show shared this anecdote from a recent on-air discussion: “During the visitation, Morgan saw multiple different people over the course of these funerals take pictures of the deceased in their casket. She didn’t quite understand why someone would want to hold onto that type of memory, she prefers to remember those individuals when they were alive.”

ALSO NAY: “I took pictures of her lying peacefully in her casket and forwarded them on to my brother-in-law,” one woman wrote to an advice columnist last week. “I got a scathing email from my brother-in-law saying that he had specifically asked not to send pictures of her dead. He only wanted to remember her healthy.”

Leave it to the professionals?

Sometimes the question of whether photos should be taken at a funeral depends upon who’s holding the camera. Maybe it’s ok for a son to take a photo of his dad lying in state, but what do you do when the granddaughter’s coworker or a neighbor from 30 years ago pulls out their iPhone when they get to the casket? Some professional photographers have found success offering tasteful funeral photo packages (again, just like they do for weddings). So, does it matter who is taking photos, and why they’re doing it?

YAY: “I treasure the photos we have from my father’s funeral,” wrote a respondent to a question on a photography subreddit last year. “A sensitive photographer can capture tender moments between family members and friends who, in many cases, haven’t seen each other in years. Kudos to those who provide this service.”

NAY: “I was once asked by the parents [… of an …] 18 year old to take photos at the funeral,” someone shared on another subreddit. “[T]hey wanted photos of the hundreds of people that showed up, as a positive reminder ‘look how many friends he had’ kind of thing. […] It was the most awkward shooting I’ve ever done. I constantly felt like I should be explaining to everyone what I was doing and why, which I practically could not do.”

ALSO NAY: “I wished people would have not taken photos, every second of that time is etched in my brain,” wrote a mother on Quora about her 20-year-old firefighter son’s funeral. “I had to bite back anger when people ‘gifted’ me a collection or album of the day. I know it was an intention of kindness and I was as gracious as possible. But the whole thing left me very much against photos or video at funerals, period unless the family asks for someone to capture the event.”

It’s best to be prepared

Ultimately, most directors simply follow the family’s lead and respect their wishes on the subject, and every family will have a different take on what they think is ok. Some may think photos are fine as long as they don’t include the deceased, or only if they’re taken outside the viewing room, or if the person taking the photo is immediate family and/or asks permission. Photos may be ok for the funeral of one family member, but absolutely inappropriate for the services of another member of the same family. 

You may choose to post your firm’s recommendations or guidelines on your website. These don’t have to be hard-and-fast rules with harsh penalties; as much as you might like to treat visitors like eighth-graders who have to put their devices in “phone jail” as they enter the classroom, that’s just not going to fly at the funeral home. Many funeral homes simply reiterate that photos should be taken only with the family’s permission. Others detail when picture-taking can seem most disrespectful, such as selfies with the deceased or using a flash or not disabling shutter sounds when taking photos during a service. 

To avoid surprises (like your funeral home being tagged on Instagram alongside a face-swapped selfie with the deceased), the best practice would be to talk to the family about their preferences before the services and keep an eye out for folks who aren’t following the rules. You know better than anyone how to tactfully handle the situation. 

When commemorating the life of a loved one, choosing the right memorial items can be a deeply personal decision. Cremation services provide families with the flexibility to honor their loved ones in unique and meaningful ways. At St. Louis Cremation, we understand the importance of these choices and are here to guide families through this delicate process with care and expertise. Whether you are considering an urn for display, burial, or another specific purpose, selecting the right one ensures a fitting tribute. This is especially true for families seeking a cremation service Ballwin, MO, where dignity and personalization meet affordability.

Reflecting on Personal Style and Meaning

Every individual is unique, and their memorial should reflect the life they lived. When selecting an urn, consider elements such as their favorite colors, hobbies, or symbols of their heritage. For example, a nature enthusiast might be honored with a design featuring leaves or floral engravings, while a minimalist design could reflect a simpler lifestyle. Personalizing these items allows families to create a lasting tribute that aligns with the loved one’s character.

Considering Material and Durability

Urns come in a variety of materials, each offering distinct benefits depending on the family’s plans. Ceramic and glass urns offer elegance and artistry, making them ideal for display in a home setting. Metal urns, such as brass or stainless steel, provide durability for outdoor placements or niche settings. For those opting for a biodegradable option, eco-friendly urns offer a sustainable way to honor a loved one while respecting environmental values.

Exploring Unique Memorial Options

In recent years, families have embraced creative ways to honor their loved ones. Keepsake urns, which are smaller and designed to hold a portion of remains, allow multiple family members to keep a physical connection close. Additionally, jewelry urns, which incorporate a small amount of remains from cremation service into a wearable piece, are increasingly popular for those wishing to carry their loved one with them wherever they go.

Ensuring Practicality and Functionality

The intended purpose of the urn should also guide the selection process. For those planning a scattering ceremony, a scattering tube provides ease of use while maintaining elegance. If the remains are to be interred in a columbarium or buried, ensure the urn meets the dimensions and material requirements of the facility.

Supporting Families Every Step of the Way

The journey of selecting a memorial item can be emotional, but it also serves as a step toward healing. Families often find comfort in choosing an urn that truly represents their loved one, allowing them to focus on celebrating their life and legacy.

At St. Louis Cremation, we offer compassionate support to ensure families feel confident and cared for throughout the process. Our team is dedicated to helping you find the perfect memorial solution to honor your loved one, especially as you navigate decisions regarding a cremation service Ballwin, MO.