What Is Green Burial and How Does Natural Burial Work?
By CRYSTAL BAI •
The short answer: Green burial (natural burial) is a simple, environmentally conscious method of interment — without embalming, metal caskets, or concrete vaults — that allows the body to decompose naturally and return to the earth, often in a meadow, woodland, or conservation cemetery.
What Is Green Burial?
Green burial (also called natural burial or eco-burial) is a method of body disposition that emphasizes environmental sustainability and simplicity. The body is not embalmed with formaldehyde-based chemicals, is placed in a biodegradable container (shroud, wicker basket, pine box, or cardboard coffin), and is buried at natural decomposition depth without a concrete vault. The burial site may be marked with a native plant, simple stone, or GPS coordinates rather than a permanent headstone.
Why Choose Green Burial?
People choose green burial for many reasons: environmental values (avoiding formaldehyde, metal, concrete, and the carbon footprint of conventional burial); spiritual or philosophical alignment with returning to the earth naturally; cost (green burial can cost $1,000 to $3,000 less than conventional burial); and a desire for a meaningful, personally expressive farewell. The green burial movement has grown significantly as environmental consciousness increases.
Types of Green Burial
Green burial exists on a spectrum: hybrid burial at conventional cemeteries that permit natural burial sections without vaults; dedicated natural burial grounds (like White Eagle Memorial Preserve in Washington or Foxfield Preserve in Ohio); conservation burial grounds where burial fees fund land preservation (certified by the Green Burial Council); and home burial on private property (legal in most states with proper permits). Each offers a different balance of accessibility and ecological commitment.
What Happens to the Body
Without embalming, the body undergoes natural decomposition after burial — a process that takes months to years depending on soil, depth, and climate. The body's nutrients return to the soil, supporting plant and fungal life. This is what the green burial movement calls returning to the earth — a biological reality that many find deeply meaningful and spiritually resonant.
Human Composting: The Next Frontier
Natural organic reduction (NOR), or human composting, is a newer process in which the body is placed in a vessel with organic material (wood chips, straw, alfalfa), and microbially mediated decomposition converts the body to soil within 30-60 days. Washington, Colorado, Oregon, Vermont, California, and several other states have legalized NOR. Companies like Recompose in Seattle offer this service. The resulting soil can be used in a garden, conservation land, or woodland.
Finding a Green Burial Cemetery
The Green Burial Council (greenburialcouncil.org) certifies cemeteries and funeral homes that meet natural burial standards and maintains a national directory. The National Home Funeral Alliance (homefuneralalliance.org) can connect families with home funeral guides and natural burial resources. Many states allow home burial on private property — check local regulations and zoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is green or natural burial?
Green burial is a method of interment without embalming, metal caskets, or concrete vaults. The body is placed in a biodegradable container and buried at natural decomposition depth, often in a meadow, woodland, or conservation cemetery, allowing the body to return naturally to the earth.
Is green burial legal in the United States?
Yes. Green burial is legal in most states. Specific regulations vary — some states require a burial vault at conventional cemeteries, but many allow natural burial at dedicated green burial grounds or on private property with proper permits.
How much does green burial cost compared to conventional burial?
Green burial typically costs $1,000 to $3,000 less than a conventional burial, primarily by eliminating embalming costs, metal caskets, and concrete vaults. Conservation burial grounds may charge $2,000 to $5,000 total for plot and burial services.
What is human composting and is it legal?
Human composting (natural organic reduction) converts the body into soil through a 30-60 day microbially mediated process. It is currently legal in Washington, Colorado, Oregon, Vermont, California, and several other states. Companies like Recompose in Seattle offer this service.
How do I find a green burial cemetery near me?
The Green Burial Council at greenburialcouncil.org maintains a national directory of certified natural burial grounds and funeral homes. The National Home Funeral Alliance can connect families with home funeral guides for private land burial.
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