Coming soon from Liminal
Navigation at life’s thresholds
Traditional funeral and burial alternatives
Whether you’re planning for yourself or for someone you love, Liminal Guide will help you compare modern day options such as human composting, aquamation, green & conservation burial, forest and reef memorials, body donation, and space tributes—by legality, cost, logistics, and fit.
Who are you planning for?
A trusted guide at life’s thresholds
Liminal Guide is a neutral, comparison-first platform for alternative disposition and memorial options.
Instead of digging through advocacy sites, scattered directories, and provider marketing pages, families and self-planners will be able to:
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See which methods are lawful in their state
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Understand costs, timelines, and logistics in plain English
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Compare human composting (NOR), aquamation, green & conservation burial, forest and reef memorials, body donation, and space tributes
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Connect with vetted providers and programs, with clear licensure and “Verified on [date]” badges
No euphemisms. No scare tactics. Just clear choices, lawful pathways, and genuine care for your family’s values.
Guide. Market. Registry.
Liminal Guide
Compare methods by law, cost, and fit.
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Plain-English explainers for NOR, aquamation, green & conservation burial, forest memorials, reef memorials, body donation, and space tributes.
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State-by-state views so you can see what’s legal where you live—and where you might be able to go.
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A 2-minute guide that generates a simple “My Plan” summary for self-planners or clear options for at-need families.
Liminal Market
Connect with vetted providers and programs.
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Providers across methods: composting facilities, aquamation providers, green/forest cemeteries, reef memorials, space memorial companies, and body donation programs.
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Transparent details: price bands, lead times, what’s required from you.
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Concierge support to help you move from searching to a concrete next step.
Liminal Registry
Verified legality, licensure, and oversight.
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Legality by state for key methods, with sources and “Verified on [month, year]” notes.
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Licensure and certifications visible on provider profiles.
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An evolving Liminal Index of statutes, programs, and reference links for families, planners, and professionals.
Methods Liminal will cover
Alternative options are growing fast, but information is fragmented and laws are changing. Liminal Guide focuses on the methods families and self-planners ask about most:
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Human Composting / Natural Organic Reduction (NOR) – A controlled process that gently transforms the body into soil over several weeks in a licensed facility.
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Aquamation / Alkaline Hydrolysis – A water-based process sometimes called “water cremation,” often with lower emissions than flame cremation.
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Green & Conservation Burial – Simple burial in biodegradable materials, often in woodland or conservation settings, with minimal infrastructure.
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Forest Memorials – Tree- and forest-based memorial sites, where remains become part of a living landscape.
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Reef Memorials – Memorial reefs supporting marine life while honoring a loved one’s ashes in ocean settings.
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Body Donation to Science – Donation to medical schools or research programs, with clear acceptance criteria, transport policies, and return-of-ashes timelines
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Space Tributes – Symbolic launches of a portion of cremated remains or DNA into space or orbit
Laws and availability vary by state. Liminal Guide will always show your state’s status before suggesting any next steps.
I want to be notified when Liminal Guide launches
Questions we hear already
Q1 – Is Liminal giving legal or medical advice?
A: No. Liminal Guide is an information and comparison service. We explain what current laws and programs appear to allow, in plain English, and link to primary sources. We always recommend confirming plans with your attorney, healthcare proxy, and local providers.
Q2 – When will Liminal Guide be available?
A: We’re piloting first in a handful of U.S. states, then expanding as our data and provider network grow. Join the list above and tell us your state so we can prioritize where we see the most need.
Q3 – How will Liminal make money?
A: Our long-term model includes fee-based planning consults for self-planners, optional at-need guidance, and clearly disclosed referral fees or revenue share from some providers. Basic guidance and educational content will remain free.
Q4 – Will you recommend specific providers?
A: Yes, carefully. Providers listed in Liminal Market will be vetted for licensure, oversight, and alignment with our standards. We’ll always show when they were last verified and where that information comes from.
© 2025 Liminal. Navigation at life’s thresholds.
A project in development by Frictionless.
Contact: ed.lewis@frictionless.guru
Disclaimer: Liminal Guide provides general information about alternative disposition and memorial options. We do not provide legal, medical, or financial advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Always confirm any plan with your attorney, healthcare proxy, and local providers.
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What is human composting (NOR)?
Human composting, formally called Natural Organic Reduction (NOR), is a body-to-soil process that allows human remains to be transformed into usable soil through controlled, natural decomposition. It’s designed as a lower-impact alternative to conventional burial and flame cremation. In practice, a licensed provider places the body in a managed environment with organic materials and carefully monitors conditions to support safe, complete transformation.Plain English: it’s a lawful, provider-guided way to return to the earth with clarity, oversight, and a smaller environmental footprint.How much does human composting cost?Human composting costs vary by provider, region, and services included (transport, ceremony, family support, etc.). In many markets, it’s priced in the same general band as other modern alternatives, often competitive with traditional options once you account for cemetery costs, vaults, and long-term plot expenses.The simplest way to think about price is: method + logistics + location + level of ceremony.We recommend comparing itemized quotes and confirming what’s included before you decide.
How does the human composting process work?
NOR is managed by licensed providers using a controlled, monitored system that supports natural decomposition. The provider handles custody, required documentation, and the care pathway from intake through completion. Families may have options for viewing, ceremony, and how much of the final soil they receive, depending on local rules and provider policy.The key thing to know is that this is not DIY—it’s a regulated service with professional oversight focused on safety, dignity, and lawful handling.
What happens to the bones?
A common question — and a fair one. During the NOR process, bone material is respectfully processed as part of completion, similar in concept to how cremation providers manage remaining bone fragments. The goal is a final, consistent soil outcome that meets safety and quality standards.Providers can explain their specific handling and the steps they follow, including how they ensure a complete, respectful transformation that aligns with state rules and facility protocols.
Is human composting legal in my state?
Legality varies by state, and the rules can change as legislation evolves. Some states allow full in-state NOR services; others may not yet permit it, or may require working with an out-of-state provider.The safest next step is to check a state-specific guide and confirm with a licensed provider before making plans.You can always verify the latest status and pathways at: https://www.liminalguide.co