What if our bodies could help grow new life after we die, instead of being embalmed and buried or turned to ash? Join Katrina Spade as she discusses “recomposition” — a system that uses the natural decomposition process to turn our deceased into a life-giving soil, honoring both the earth and the departed.

Spade is a designer and inventor who focuses on transforming death care. As the founder and director of the non-profit Urban Death Project, She collaborates with researchers, legal experts and scientists to lay the research foundation for this system to exist. Her work has been featured in “The Atlantic,” “Wired” and “The New York Times”. She is an Echoing Green Climate Fellow.

Spade’s 2016 TEDxOrcasIsland talk is now a TED Talk and has been viewed more than 850,000 times. She will present updates on her work with Urban Death Project at Emmanuel Episcopal Parish Hall on Tuesday, Aug. 29 at 6:30 p.m. This is a free community offering sponsored by Orcasong Institute.