Hollywood legend Kim Novak, now 93, announced that she will be among the first high‑profile individuals to use Oregon’s natural organic reduction process – commonly called human composting – after she passes. Novak, who lives on a ranch in Oregon, told Fox News Digital that she made the arrangements several years ago, hoping her remains will become nutrient‑rich soil for planting trees.
Why Novak Chose Compost Over Burial or Cremation
“The idea is that I get to live after I’m gone through trees,” Novak explained. “It’s an exciting adventure because this is what I want after I pass. I want to keep living. A tree has to have patience, and I will get to continue to express myself and be an observer of life.” She added that the prospect of being turned into ashes or buried underground never appealed to her.
Process and Logistics
Human composting is legal in Oregon, and Novak has selected an Earth Funeral facility in Washington state to carry out the natural organic reduction. She said the transport will require her body to be packed in ice for the short trip, a detail she mentioned with a laugh. Once the process is complete, Novak plans to distribute portions of the compost to friends and family, each with instructions to plant a tree – preferably a tree rather than a shrub – so her legacy can continue to grow.
Environmental and Personal Philosophy
Novak’s lifelong love of nature and her career as a painter have shaped her view of life and death. She told the Associated Press that leaving Hollywood allowed her to focus on living close to nature, painting daily, and protecting the environment. “I made my decision because I want to do something good for the environment, and others can too,” she said. “After we’re gone, the Earth is still here, and we need to protect it. Life goes on when we’re no longer here.”
Public Reaction
While some observers find the plan unconventional, many environmental advocates applaud the choice as a practical, sustainable alternative to traditional burial or cremation. Novak’s decision highlights the growing interest in natural organic reduction as a way to reduce land use, lower carbon emissions, and return nutrients to the earth.
Legacy Beyond the Screen
Beyond her iconic film roles in “Vertigo,” “The Man with the Golden Arm,” and “Bell, Book and Candle,” Novak continues to paint and express herself through art. Her upcoming documentary, “Kim Novak’s Vertigo,” chronicles her career and personal journey, now concluding with a final act that aligns with her deep respect for creation.
Novak’s plan serves as a reminder that personal choices about end‑of‑life care can reflect broader values of stewardship, family, and faith in God’s creation. As she prepares for this final transition, she hopes her story will inspire others to consider environmentally responsible options.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
