From our founder: "Why are we the right choice?"
"I believe everyone should have the option to choose an environmentally responsible, meaningful farewell. We provide a way for families to honor their loved ones while also giving back to the planet."
Renew was born out of the vision and leadership of Serena Trexler, a licensed funeral director, graduate of Mt. Hood's Funeral Service Education Program, and native Oregonian.
Inspired by her own experience with the NOR process following the passing of her dog, Thor, Serena sought to make NOR an affordable, equitable and sustainable option for everyone.
We are a small, locally owned business that works closely with the communities we serve. Our focus on families is the cornerstone of our mission.
Our commitment to excellence is to provide every family with a holistic experience that honors their loved one, respects their grieving process, and aligns with their beliefs.
Natural Organic Reduction is a holistic process that allows for a gentle return to the earth.
Here is how it works:
Receipt of the Body
A family selects natural organic reduction as part of your funeral home's services. Once your funeral home has completed the necessary visitations, death certificate and permit processing, we receive the decedent into our care from your funeral home.
1
Preparation and Placement
The decedent is gently placed into a bed of natural materials, including locally sourced wood chips and alfalfa. We call this process a "tuck in."
Families are encouraged to provide biodegradable mementos, such as flowers, or the decedent's favorite snack or beverage, to be included in their tuck-in. These items will accompany the decedent during their reduction journey.
2
Natural Organic Reduction
The natural organic reduction chamber is specially designed to optimize the aerobic reduction process. It conceptually resembles a large casket, and is known as a "chariot."
Over the course of several weeks, the body undergoes a natural decomposition process facilitated by beneficial microbes. The controlled environment within the chariot optimizes conditions for the reduction process, ensuring it is efficient and environmentally sound. At the end of the process, the compost is tested by a third-party laboratory to certify is is healthy, nutrient-rich and safe.
3
Final Transformation
Once the reduction process is complete, the compost is screened and refined using an industry-specific machine similar to a large cremulator. We do this to ensure compost consistency, quality and safety in accordance with mortuary regulations.
The rich, fertile compost is then ready to be released to your funeral home and the family. As part of our best practices guarantee, we provide every family with a copy of their loved one's compost health report for transparency and peace of mind.
4
Natural Organic Reduction helps restore the environment by saving our resources and promoting new life.
1.5M
Acres of Cemetery Land Saved
Across the United States
16M
Tons of Concrete Saved
For burial vaults per year
20M
Board Feet of Hardwood Saved
For caskets per year
4.3M
Gallons of Embalming Fluid Saved
Buried in the ground per year
Make Arrangements with Simple, Transparent Pricing.
Register Today.
Our natural organic reduction package starts at $3,500.
This includes basic services of funeral director and staff as part of our natural organic reduction package.
As part of our best practices guarantee, we provide every family with a copy of their loved one's compost health report for transparency and peace of mind.
LOCATION
info@renewnor.com
Tel. (855) 630-4035
7600 SE Johnson Creek Blvd.
Portland, OR 97206
© 2025 by Renew Natural Organic Reduction, LLC.
This facility is licensed and regulated by the Oregon Mortuary and Cemetery Board.
Receipt of Body
Upon the passing of a loved one, the body is transported from the place of death to our facility with the utmost care and respect. Our team ensures all necessary legal and health documentation is in place.
Natural Organic Reduction
Over the course of several weeks, the body undergoes a natural decomposition process facilitated by beneficial microbes. The controlled environment within the chamber optimizes conditions for the composting process, ensuring it is efficient and environmentally sound.
Final Transformation
Once the process is complete, the remains are transformed into rich, fertile soil. This soil is screened and refined to ensure quality and safety.
Returning the Soil
The nutrient-rich soil is then returned to the family, offering a meaningful way to memorialize their loved one. Families can use the soil in gardens, to plant trees, or support local conservation efforts, creating a lasting legacy that nurtures new life.
Preparation and Placement
The body is prepared for the reduction process, often involving a simple shroud or biodegradable container. It is then laid in a specially designed chamber, surrounded by organic materials such as wood chips, straw, and alfalfa.
Preparation and Placement
The body is prepared for the reduction process, often involving a simple shroud or biodegradable container. It is then laid in a specially designed chamber, surrounded by organic materials such as wood chips, straw, and alfalfa.
Final Transformation
Once the process is complete, the remains are transformed into rich, fertile soil. This soil is screened and refined to ensure quality and safety.
Receipt of Body
Upon the passing of a loved one, the body is transported from the place of death to our facility with the utmost care and respect. Our team ensures all necessary legal and health documentation is in place.
Natural Organic Reduction
Over the course of several weeks, the body undergoes a natural decomposition process facilitated by beneficial microbes. The controlled environment within the chamber optimizes conditions for the composting process, ensuring it is efficient and environmentally sound.
Returning the Soil
The nutrient-rich soil is then returned to the family, offering a meaningful way to memorialize their loved one. Families can use the soil in gardens, to plant trees, or support local conservation efforts, creating a lasting legacy that nurtures new life.