What Is a Green Burial? Eco-Friendly Funerals Explained

A green burial or funeral, also called a natural burial or eco burial, is the practice of laying a body to rest in a way that allows natural decomposition without harming the environment.

Unlike traditional burials that use embalming chemicals, metal caskets, and concrete vaults, green burials embrace simplicity. The body is placed directly in the earth, wrapped in biodegradable materials, where it naturally returns to the soil.

The Core Principles

Green burials follow three fundamental principles:

No toxic chemicals – Bodies are not embalmed with formaldehyde or other preservatives. Natural refrigeration keeps the body preserved until burial.

Biodegradable materials only – Caskets are made from sustainably sourced wood, bamboo, willow, or natural fibers. Many families choose simple burial shrouds instead.

Conservation focused – Many green cemeteries protect land from development, preserve natural habitats, and avoid pesticides, fertilizers, and excessive landscaping.

A Brief History

While green burial may sound modern, it’s actually how humans buried their dead for thousands of years. Traditional embalming and elaborate caskets only became common in America during the Civil War era.

The contemporary green burial movement began gaining traction in the 1990s. The Green Burial Council, founded in 2005, now certifies burial grounds and providers across North America. As of November 2024, there are 470 certified green burial cemeteries in the United States and Canada, with more opening each year as demand grows.

Why Families Choose This Path

People choose green burial for various reasons:

• Environmental values – Reducing their carbon footprint even in death
• Simplicity – Avoiding the complexity and commercialization of traditional funerals
• Cost savings – Green burials typically cost 50% to 70% less than conventional funerals
• Spiritual connection – Feeling closer to natural cycles of life and death
• Land conservation – Supporting protected natural spaces

According to recent research, 68% of people are interested in exploring green funeral options, showing a significant shift in how Americans think about end of life care.

When considering your options, reviewing understanding funeral service options can help you see where green burial fits within the broader landscape of choices available.

How Green Burials Differ from Traditional Funerals

The differences between green and conventional burials go far beyond just skipping the vault. Let’s look at what makes each approach distinct.

Material and Chemical Differences

The Environmental Impact

Traditional burials have significant environmental consequences. Each year in the United States, conventional burials use approximately:

• 30 million board feet of hardwood for caskets
• 90,000 tons of steel for caskets and vaults
• 14,000 tons of steel for vaults
• 2,700 tons of copper and bronze
• 1.6 million tons of reinforced concrete for vaults
• 827,060 gallons of embalming fluid containing formaldehyde

Green burials eliminate all of these materials. The body decomposes naturally, returning nutrients to the soil and supporting the ecosystem rather than sitting preserved in a concrete box indefinitely.

Setting and Atmosphere

Traditional cemeteries feature:

• Uniform rows of graves
• Regularly mowed grass
• Permanent headstones in organized sections
• Paved roads for vehicle access
• Artificial landscaping

Green burial grounds embrace:

• Natural meadows or woodlands
• Native wildflowers and grasses
• Trees and natural rock formations
• Walking paths instead of paved roads
• Burial sites that blend into the landscape

Philosophical Differences

Beyond the practical aspects of funeral services, these approaches represent different philosophies about death.

Traditional burial often emphasizes preservation, permanence, and memorialization through lasting monuments. It can reflect a desire to protect the body from natural processes.

Green burial accepts decomposition as natural and even beautiful. It views death as part of the ecological cycle, where our bodies nourish new life. Many families find this perspective comforting and spiritually meaningful.

Cost Comparison

A green burial averages $2,597, whereas a traditional funeral with burial, viewing, and vault costs roughly $9,995. That’s a difference of more than $7,000.

For a complete breakdown of costs, see our guide comparing funeral costs vs cremation costs, which also addresses green burial expenses.

Legal and Logistical Considerations

Green burial is legal everywhere in the United States, but specific regulations vary by state and locality. Understanding the legal framework helps ensure your plans proceed smoothly.

Federal and State Laws

No federal law prohibits green burial. The Federal Trade Commission’s Funeral Rule protects your right to:

• Choose burial containers and avoid vaults if the cemetery doesn’t require them
• Provide your own casket or burial container
• Decline embalming (except in specific circumstances)

However, state and local regulations add complexity:

Embalming requirements – Most states don’t mandate embalming unless the body will be transported across state lines, public viewing occurs more than 24 to 48 hours after death, or the person died from certain communicable diseases.

Burial depth – State laws typically require bodies to be buried at least 18 to 24 inches below ground, with some requiring up to 4 feet of soil coverage.

Cemetery regulations – Individual cemeteries set their own rules. Traditional cemeteries often require vaults, while certified green cemeteries prohibit them.

Home burial – Some states allow burial on private property with proper permits and distance requirements from water sources. Others prohibit it entirely.

Who Certifies Green Cemeteries

The Green Burial Council certifies burial grounds at three levels:

Hybrid cemeteries – Conventional cemeteries with a dedicated green burial section. They may allow some traditional practices in other areas but require natural burial in designated zones.

Natural burial grounds – Cemeteries designed specifically for green burial using only eco-friendly practices throughout the entire property.

Conservation burial grounds – Natural burial grounds that also protect land through conservation easements, working with land trusts to preserve habitat and biodiversity permanently.

Certification ensures the cemetery meets strict environmental standards and truly practices what it preaches.

Required Documentation

Planning a green burial requires the same legal paperwork as any burial:

• Death certificate signed by a physician or medical examiner
• Burial transit permit authorizing movement and interment of the body
• Cemetery deed or plot purchase agreement
• Burial authorization from next of kin

Some states require additional permits for home burial or transportation of unembalmed remains. Our comprehensive guide to funeral legal requirements walks you through every document you’ll need.

Transportation Considerations

Bodies can be transported to green burial sites in several ways:

• Family members can transport the body in a personal vehicle (legal in most states)
• Funeral homes can provide transportation
• Some green burial grounds offer their own transport services

If crossing state lines, additional permits and sometimes embalming may be required. Check both origin and destination state requirements carefully.

Finding Natural Cemeteries Near You

Locating a green burial site requires research, but more options exist than ever before. Here’s how to find the right place.

Types of Green Burial Locations

Certified conservation burial grounds – These sites prioritize land protection and habitat restoration. Purchasing a plot often supports conservation easements that permanently protect hundreds of acres.

Natural burial grounds – Dedicated green cemeteries that create peaceful natural settings without the conservation land trust component.

Hybrid cemetery sections – Traditional cemeteries offering green burial sections. This option works well if you want to be buried near family members in existing plots while choosing an eco-friendly method.

Private land – In some states, you can be buried on your own property with proper permits and setback requirements from wells, property lines, and water sources.

How to Identify Legitimate Green Cemeteries

Not every cemetery claiming to be green meets true environmental standards. Look for:

• Green Burial Council certification
• Written policies prohibiting embalming, vaults, and non-biodegradable materials
• Natural landscape management without pesticides or excessive watering
• Transparent pricing with no hidden vault or container requirements
• Permanent marking systems (GPS, natural stone, or native plantings)

Visit potential sites in person when possible. Walk the grounds, observe the landscape, and talk with staff about their practices and philosophy.

Questions to Ask When Choosing a Site

Before committing to a green burial ground, ask:

About practices:

• What materials are allowed and prohibited?
• How do you maintain the landscape?
• Can families participate in the burial process?
• Are there restrictions on burial shrouds versus caskets?

About costs:

• What’s included in the plot price?
• Are there annual maintenance fees?
• What do opening and closing the grave cost?
• Can plots be purchased in advance?

About memorialization:

• What types of markers are permitted?
• Can families plant trees or flowers?
• How are graves identified and located long term?

About the future:

• Is the land permanently protected?
• What happens if the cemetery changes ownership?
• Are there guarantees about maintaining natural burial practices?

Regional Availability

Green burial sites exist across the United States, though density varies by region:

• Northeast – Strong concentration in Vermont, New York, and Pennsylvania
• Pacific Northwest – Washington and Oregon lead in conservation burial options
• Southeast – Growing availability in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia
• Midwest – Scattered sites in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Ohio
• Southwest – Limited but increasing options in California, Colorado, and Texas

Our cemeteries and burial grounds directory helps you locate green burial options in your area, with details about certification levels and available services.

For additional guidance on evaluating any cemetery, see choosing a cemetery: finding a peaceful resting place.

Eco-Friendly Burial Materials and Options

Green burial materials range from simple shrouds to beautiful handcrafted caskets. Understanding your options helps you choose what feels right.

Biodegradable Caskets

Green caskets decompose naturally, usually within a few years depending on soil conditions and materials.

Popular materials include:

All green caskets avoid:

• Metal hinges, handles, or decorative elements
• Synthetic fabric linings
• Chemical finishes or stains
• Petroleum-based glues

Many are assembled with wooden pegs, natural rope, or biodegradable adhesives.

Burial Shrouds

Shrouds represent the simplest and often most affordable green burial option. They’re made from natural fabrics that decompose quickly.

Common shroud materials:

• Organic cotton – Soft, breathable, available plain or patterned
• Linen – Traditional choice, durable yet biodegradable
• Wool – Natural fiber that decomposes while providing dignity
• Hemp – Extremely sustainable, grows without pesticides

Shrouds typically cost $200 to $600. Some families sew their own, incorporating meaningful fabrics or decorative elements.

The body is wrapped, often with natural fiber rope or wooden closures. Many shrouds include a stiff backing board to ease handling during burial.

The No Embalming Movement

Embalming involves replacing blood with chemical preservatives, primarily formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. A typical embalming uses 3 to 5 gallons of fluid containing multiple toxic chemicals.

Green burial eliminates embalming entirely. Instead:

Refrigeration keeps the body preserved for several days, allowing time for family to gather and plan services.

Dry ice provides additional cooling if refrigeration isn’t available or for transportation.

Timing matters. Most green burials happen within 3 to 5 days of death, though proper refrigeration extends this window if needed.

Grave Markers and Memorialization

Traditional granite headstones aren’t biodegradable and may be prohibited or discouraged at natural burial grounds. Alternative markers include:

• Engraved native stone – Locally sourced rock with simple inscription
• Wooden markers – Cedar or other rot-resistant wood that eventually weathers and returns to earth
• Living memorials – Trees, shrubs, or native plants marking the location
• GPS coordinates – Digital mapping allowing family to locate graves using smartphones
• Natural features – Distinctive trees, rock formations, or landscape elements

Some green cemeteries create communal memorials, like garden stones inscribed with names of all those buried in a section.

For more memorial ideas that honor both your loved one and the environment, explore our guide to green caskets and burial alternatives.

The Cost of Green Burials: What Families Should Expect

One of green burial’s most appealing aspects is affordability. Let’s break down the numbers.

Average Cost Breakdown

The average cost of a green funeral is around $2,000 to $4,000, substantially lower than traditional funerals costing $7,000 to $10,000.

Here’s what you might pay for each component:

Direct green burial, where the body goes straight to the burial ground without a viewing or service, costs as little as $1,500 to $2,500 total.

What Affects Pricing

Several factors influence green burial costs:

Location – Plots in conservation burial grounds protecting prime habitat often cost more than hybrid cemetery sections.

Plot size – Natural burial plots are typically larger than conventional cemetery spaces, sometimes adding cost.

Materials chosen – Simple shrouds cost $200 to $400, while handcrafted bamboo or willow caskets run $1,500 to $2,500.

Services included – Some green cemeteries include grave opening, closing, and GPS marking in the plot price. Others charge separately.

Distance – Transportation costs increase if the burial ground is far from where death occurred.

Long-Term Savings

Beyond the initial cost difference, green burial offers financial advantages over time:

No perpetual care fees – Many traditional cemeteries charge ongoing maintenance fees. Natural burial grounds often include maintenance in the upfront cost.

No monument replacement – Granite headstones require cleaning, repair, and eventual replacement. Natural markers need no maintenance.

Simplicity reduces stress – Fewer decisions and vendors mean less time spent researching, negotiating, and coordinating.

Comparing to Other Options

How does green burial stack up against other disposition methods?

• Cremation – Direct cremation costs $2,000 to $3,000, similar to green burial. However, cremation uses significant energy and releases carbon emissions.
• Alkaline hydrolysis – This water-based cremation alternative costs $2,500 to $3,500 where available, slightly more than green burial.
• Traditional burial – As shown above, conventional burial costs 2 to 3 times more than natural burial.

For comprehensive cost comparisons, see our guides to budgeting a funeral and average funeral costs in your region.

Why Families Choose Green Burials

Behind the environmental and financial benefits, personal values drive the choice to pursue green burial.

Environmental Philosophy

Many people want their final act to reflect a lifetime of environmental consciousness. Green burial means:

Reducing carbon footprint – Natural burial produces minimal carbon emissions compared to cremation or traditional burial with its resource-intensive materials.

Protecting habitat – Conservation burial grounds permanently preserve wilderness areas, supporting wildlife and native plant species.

Avoiding pollution – Eliminating embalming chemicals prevents formaldehyde and other toxins from entering soil and groundwater.

Supporting ecosystems – Bodies naturally decompose, returning nutrients to the earth and supporting soil health.

Personal Beliefs and Values

Green burial appeals to people across different worldviews:

Spiritual connection – Many faiths emphasize returning “dust to dust” and view natural burial as spiritually appropriate.

Simplicity – Those who lived simply often want a death that reflects that value, avoiding commercial excess.

Authenticity – Natural burial feels honest and real to families tired of funeral industry artificiality.

Legacy – Knowing your burial protects land for future generations provides lasting meaning.

Emotional Healing Through Nature

Psychologists note that natural settings support grief and healing. Green burial offers:

Meaningful participation – Family members can help lower the casket, fill the grave, and plant native species, creating active involvement rather than passive observation.

Natural beauty – Visiting a burial site in a meadow, woodland, or mountainside provides comfort that manicured lawn cemeteries may not.

Ongoing connection – Watching trees grow, flowers bloom, and wildlife flourish creates a living memorial that changes with seasons.

Reduced anxiety – Many people feel less death anxiety when they envision themselves returning to nature rather than being preserved in a vault.

For support navigating grief and loss, our grief support and aftercare resources provide community and professional connections.

Understanding how culture shapes farewells can also help you see where green burial fits within your own cultural and family traditions.

How to Plan a Green Burial Step by Step

Planning a green burial involves coordination, but the process is straightforward when you know what to expect.

Step 1: Research and Choose a Green Cemetery

Start by:

1. Searching online databases like the Green Burial Council’s cemetery finder
2. Contacting potential sites to request information packets
3. Visiting locations in person when possible
4. Comparing costs, policies, and conservation commitments
5. Reviewing contracts carefully before purchasing a plot

Many people purchase plots in advance, allowing time for thoughtful decision making without time pressure.

Step 2: Select Burial Materials

Decide whether you want:

• A biodegradable casket (and which type)
• A burial shroud (and which fabric)
• A specific grave marker or natural identification system

Some green cemeteries have preferred vendors. Others allow families to source their own materials as long as they meet biodegradability standards.

Step 3: Arrange Legal Documentation

Work with the cemetery and, if desired, a funeral director to complete:

• Death certificate
• Burial transit permit
• Plot deed or authorization
• Any state-specific permits required

Our essential funeral documents checklist ensures you don’t miss critical paperwork.

Step 4: Plan the Service

Green burial allows considerable flexibility in ceremonies. Consider:

Location – Services can happen at the graveside, in a nearby natural area, or at a separate venue before burial.

Timing – Without embalming, burial typically occurs within 3 to 5 days. Plan accordingly when notifying distant family.

Format – Religious, spiritual, or secular services are all appropriate. Many families incorporate nature-focused readings and rituals.

Participation – Decide if family members will help carry the casket, lower it into the grave, or participate in filling the grave with soil.

For comprehensive guidance, see how to plan a funeral: steps and considerations.

Step 5: Coordinate Transportation

Arrange for the body to be transported from place of death to the burial ground. Options include:

• Family transport (legal in most states with proper permits)
• Funeral home hearse
• Green burial ground transport service

Refrigeration during transport maintains the body without embalming.

Step 6: Conduct the Burial

On burial day:

1. Preparation – The body is dressed in natural fiber clothing or wrapped in a shroud and placed in the casket if using one.
2. Procession – Family and friends proceed to the grave site, often on foot following the casket.
3. Service – Readings, music, eulogies, and rituals occur as planned.
4. Lowering – The casket or shrouded body is lowered into the grave, often by family members using ropes.
5. Filling – Family and friends may participate in filling the grave with soil, each adding a shovelful.
6. Marking – A temporary marker identifies the location until a permanent marker is placed.

Step 7: Long-Term Care

After burial, the cemetery maintains the natural landscape. Your responsibilities are minimal:

• Visit and tend to living memorials if desired
• Update cemetery records if contact information changes
• Inform family members of the location and any access codes or directions

After the Burial: Sustainable Memorialization

Green burial doesn’t end with interment. How you remember and honor your loved one can continue the environmental ethic.

Living Memorials

Instead of cut flowers that wilt and require replacement:

Plant native species – Many green cemeteries encourage planting wildflowers, shrubs, or trees native to the region. These support local wildlife and require no watering or maintenance.

Create a memorial garden – At home or in a community space, dedicate a garden that reflects your loved one’s favorite plants and provides habitat for pollinators.

Support conservation – Donate to land trusts or environmental organizations in your loved one’s name, extending their commitment to protecting nature.

Biodegradable Tributes

Choose memorial items that don’t harm the environment:

• Seed paper that can be planted to grow flowers
• Biodegradable balloons made from natural latex (though release is discouraged due to wildlife impact)
• Natural fiber ribbons that decompose
• Stone cairns that blend into the landscape

Digital Memorialization

Online tributes offer permanence without physical environmental impact:

Memorial websites – Create a dedicated space for photos, stories, and memories that family can access anywhere.

Social media memorials – Facebook and other platforms offer memorial account options.

QR codes – Some green cemeteries allow QR codes on markers that link to online memorials.

Digital legacy services – Professional platforms help preserve and share your loved one’s story, photos, and voice.

Explore more ideas in our guides to memorialization ideas: ways to celebrate a life and digital legacies: preserving memories online.

Ongoing Rituals

Create sustainable traditions for remembering:

• Annual visits to the burial site on birthdays or death anniversaries
• Seasonal nature walks in the preserved habitat
• Environmental volunteer work in your loved one’s honor
• Sharing stories and photos with younger generations

Final Thoughts: The Future of Eco-Friendly Funerals

Green burial represents more than a trend. It’s a fundamental shift in how we think about death, the environment, and our place in the natural world.

The global green funerals market reached $2.3 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $6.7 billion by 2034, demonstrating strong and growing demand worldwide.

As climate change awareness increases, more people seek ways to reduce their environmental impact throughout life and beyond. Green burial offers a practical, affordable, and meaningful way to do that.

The movement also challenges the commercialization of death care. By choosing simplicity over elaborate caskets and monuments, families reclaim death as a natural process rather than a consumer transaction.

Technology continues evolving too. Innovations like mushroom mycelium caskets, reef ball ocean burials, and tree pod burials show how creativity can expand green burial options while maintaining environmental principles.

For funeral professionals and families alike, green burial is no longer niche. It’s becoming mainstream as education spreads and certified cemeteries multiply.

At Good Send Off, we believe that understanding your choices brings comfort and peace. Whether you choose green burial or explore other options, what matters most is making a decision that honors your values and your loved one’s journey.

Ready to explore eco-friendly funeral options? Visit our resources on the future of memorials: technology, AI, and personalized remembrance to see how sustainable practices are shaping the funeral industry’s evolution.

Frequently Asked Questions About Green Burials

What makes a burial “green”?

A burial is considered green when it uses only biodegradable materials, avoids embalming chemicals, doesn’t require concrete vaults, and occurs in a natural setting managed with minimal environmental impact. The body must be able to decompose naturally and return to the soil.

How much does a green burial cost?

Green burial costs range from $1,000 to $4,000, depending on location and choices made. This compares to $7,000 to $10,000 for traditional burial. Direct green burial, without a viewing or service, can cost as little as $1,500 to $2,500.

Are green burials legal everywhere?

Yes, green burial is legal throughout the United States. No federal or state law requires embalming, vaults, or metal caskets. However, individual cemeteries set their own rules. Traditional cemeteries may require vaults, while green cemeteries prohibit them. Home burial on private land is legal in some states but prohibited in others.

Do you have to be embalmed for a green burial?

No. Embalming is never required for green burial and is actually prohibited by most green cemeteries. Natural refrigeration or dry ice preserves the body for several days until burial occurs. Most states don’t require embalming unless the body crosses state lines or viewing occurs many days after death.

Can you be buried in your backyard?

This depends on state and local laws. Some states allow home burial on private property if you:

• Obtain proper permits
• Meet setback requirements from property lines, water sources, and wells
• Follow depth requirements
• File burial location with county records

Other states prohibit home burial entirely. Check your state’s specific regulations before planning a backyard burial.

How long does a body take to decompose in green burial?

In natural burial conditions without embalming or a vault, soft tissue typically decomposes within 1 to 3 years depending on soil composition, climate, and depth. Bones may remain for decades or centuries before fully breaking down. The natural biodegradation process enriches soil with nutrients.

Can I pre-plan and pre-pay for a green burial?

Yes. Many green cemeteries allow you to purchase plots and pre-arrange services years in advance. Pre-planning removes stress from family members and ensures your wishes are followed. Some cemeteries offer payment plans. Make sure any pre-paid arrangements are held in trust or insured for your protection.

What religions accept green burial?

Green burial is compatible with most faiths. Judaism and Islam have traditionally practiced natural burial without embalming. Many Christian denominations accept it. Buddhism and Hinduism generally approve. Always consult with your religious leader about specific requirements or preferences in your tradition.

Can families participate in the burial process?

Yes. Most green cemeteries encourage family involvement. You can typically:

• Help carry the casket to the grave
• Lower the body using ropes
• Participate in filling the grave with soil
• Plant flowers or trees
• Place personal items in the grave

Participation creates meaningful closure for many families.

What happens to green cemeteries long term?

Conservation burial grounds are protected by permanent conservation easements working with land trusts. These legal agreements prevent future development regardless of ownership changes. The land remains natural habitat in perpetuity. Hybrid cemetery sections are maintained according to the cemetery’s policies.