What Is Green Burial? A Complete Guide to Natural Burial Options and Cost

The short answer: Green burial (also called natural burial) is the disposition of human remains in a way that allows the body to decompose naturally without toxic embalming chemicals, metal caskets, or concrete vaults — returning the body to the earth as part of the natural carbon cycle. Green burial is legal in all U.S. states, often less expensive than conventional burial, and is the fastest-growing segment of the death care industry.

Green burial represents a return to the most ancient form of human burial — placing the body in the earth without chemical preservation, in a container that allows natural decomposition. Far from a fringe alternative, green burial is now offered by over 300 dedicated green burial cemeteries in the United States and is the fastest-growing sector of the funeral industry. For environmentally conscious individuals and families, it offers a profound alignment between values and death care.

What Makes a Burial "Green"?

A burial is considered green when it: avoids embalming with formaldehyde or other toxic chemicals (dry ice or refrigeration may be used instead); uses a biodegradable container — a simple wooden casket, a wicker or seagrass shroud, a bamboo casket, or a plain cotton shroud; does not use a concrete burial vault (which prevents the body from returning to the soil); and is located in land that is preserved as a natural area rather than maintained as a conventional lawn cemetery.

Types of Green Burial

Hybrid green burial: A conventional cemetery offers a "green section" — biodegradable containers required, no embalming, but lawn maintenance continues. Natural burial grounds: Dedicated natural burial cemeteries where bodies are interred in natural landscapes (meadows, forests, prairies) that are preserved in perpetuity. No lawn maintenance — the site returns to nature. Conservation burial: The most ecologically rigorous option — burial in protected conservation land, with the burial fee funding land preservation. Often affiliated with land trusts. Home burial: Legal in many states, home burial on privately owned land is the oldest and simplest form of natural burial. Requirements vary by state.

What Is Not Allowed in Green Burial

Most natural burial cemeteries prohibit: formaldehyde embalming; metal or treated wood caskets; concrete vaults or grave liners; synthetic materials in shrouds or containers; grave markers that require permanent maintenance (some allow native stone markers, GPS coordinates, or living markers like trees).

Human Composting (Natural Organic Reduction)

An emerging form of natural disposition, human composting (Natural Organic Reduction or NOR) accelerates the body's return to soil using a controlled process of heat, oxygen, and natural microbes. The result — after 4-6 weeks — is approximately a cubic yard of rich, nutrient-dense compost that families can use in gardens or donate to conservation land. Currently legal in Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Vermont, California, Nevada, Arizona, New York, Minnesota, and Maryland. Recompose (Seattle) and Return Home (Auburn, WA) are early providers.

Cost of Green Burial

Green burial is often less expensive than conventional burial. Conventional burial (with embalming, metal casket, concrete vault, and full service) averages $8,000–$12,000. Natural burial typically ranges from $1,500–$5,000 total, depending on the cemetery, container choice, and service level. Human composting currently costs approximately $5,000–$7,000. Home burial (where legal) can cost under $1,000.

Finding a Green Burial Cemetery

The Green Burial Council (greenburialcouncil.org) maintains a directory of certified green burial providers in the United States, organized by level of certification (Hybrid, Natural, Conservation). The National Home Funeral Alliance (homefuneralalliance.org) supports families pursuing home burial. Renidy's AI funeral planning tool can help you identify green burial options in your area and compare costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is green burial?

Green burial (also called natural burial) is disposition of human remains without toxic embalming chemicals, metal caskets, or concrete vaults, in a biodegradable container that allows the body to decompose naturally and return to the earth. It is legal in all U.S. states, often less expensive than conventional burial, and is the fastest-growing segment of the funeral industry.

Is green burial legal in the United States?

Yes. Green burial is legal in all 50 U.S. states, though specific regulations vary. No federal law requires embalming or a concrete vault. State and local cemetery laws govern specific requirements. Home burial is legal in most but not all states (check your state's department of health). The Green Burial Council maintains state-by-state resources.

How much does a green burial cost?

Green burial typically costs $1,500–$5,000 total, compared to $8,000–$12,000 for conventional burial. Costs vary by cemetery, location, and container choice. A simple shroud burial at a conservation cemetery may cost $2,000–$4,000 including the plot. Home burial (where legal) can cost under $1,000. Human composting currently costs approximately $5,000–$7,000.

What is human composting or natural organic reduction?

Human composting (Natural Organic Reduction or NOR) accelerates natural decomposition using a controlled process of heat, oxygen, and microbes. The body becomes nutrient-rich compost within 4-6 weeks, which families can use in gardens or donate to conservation land. It is currently legal in Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Vermont, California, Nevada, Arizona, New York, Minnesota, and Maryland.

What is conservation burial?

Conservation burial is the most ecologically rigorous form of natural burial — interment in protected conservation land, with the burial fee funding long-term land preservation. Bodies are buried without chemicals or non-biodegradable materials. The burial site is preserved as a natural habitat in perpetuity, often managed in partnership with land trusts. Conservation burial combines meaningful death care with permanent environmental legacy.

Renidy connects grieving families with compassionate death doulas and AI-powered funeral planning tools. Try our free AI funeral planner or find a death doula near you.