How to Plan a Green Burial: A Complete Guide

The short answer: Green burial — also called natural burial — is a method of disposition that allows the body to return to the earth without embalming, metal caskets, or concrete vaults. It is legal in all 50 US states, costs significantly less than conventional burial, and has a growing network of dedicated natural burial grounds. Planning ahead is the key: green burial requires finding the right cemetery, choosing a shroud or biodegradable casket, and often working with a death doula or home funeral guide.

What Is Green Burial?

Green burial returns the body to the earth as naturally as possible:

• No embalming: The body is not chemically preserved. Refrigeration is used if needed during the brief period between death and burial.
• No metal casket or concrete vault: The body is buried in a biodegradable shroud (linen, wool, or cotton), a simple wood casket, or a wicker/cardboard container.
• Shallow burial: Typically 3–4 feet deep rather than the conventional 6 feet, which promotes faster decomposition.
• No embalming chemicals: Formaldehyde and other preservatives are not used, eliminating their environmental impact.

Types of Green Burial Grounds

The Green Burial Council certifies three levels:

1. Hybrid Green Section: A green burial section within a conventional cemetery. Shrouds and biodegradable containers allowed; the rest of the cemetery may use conventional practices.
2. Natural Burial Ground: No embalming, no concrete vaults, natural grave markers (rocks, native plants). The land is maintained as a natural landscape, not a manicured lawn.
3. Conservation Burial Ground: Natural burial with the added benefit of land conservation — burial fees fund the preservation of ecologically significant land. Examples: Ramsey Creek Preserve (SC), Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery (FL), and many others.

Step-by-Step: Planning a Green Burial

1. Choose a cemetery: Use the Green Burial Council's directory (greenburialcouncil.org) to find certified providers near you. Call ahead — some naturals burial grounds have waiting lists.
2. Pre-purchase a plot: Many natural burial grounds allow advance purchase. This locks in the location and removes pressure at time of death.
3. Select a container: Shrouds (linen, wool), willow or wicker baskets, untreated wood caskets, and cardboard containers all qualify. Some families make their own.
4. Decide on a funeral director or home funeral: Many funeral homes now offer green burial preparation. Alternatively, families can legally handle the body themselves in most states — a death doula or home funeral guide can assist.
5. Plan the ceremony: Green burial grounds often allow graveside ceremonies before burial. Some allow families to carry and lower the body themselves.
6. Notify your advance directive: Document your wishes in your advance directive and share them with your healthcare proxy.

Cost Comparison

Conventional burial averages $7,000–$12,000 (including funeral home, casket, vault, grave). Green burial typically costs $1,000–$4,000 total — including the plot, container, and cemetery fees. Conservation burials may cost more due to land preservation fees but remain significantly less than conventional burial.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is green burial legal in all 50 states?

Yes. No state in the US prohibits natural or green burial. The Green Burial Council maintains a directory of certified providers by state. Some states have additional regulations about burial depth, setbacks from water, and death certificate requirements.

What is the difference between green burial and conventional burial?

Green burial uses no embalming, no metal casket, and no concrete vault — allowing the body to decompose naturally. Conventional burial typically involves embalming, a sealed metal or solid wood casket, and a concrete vault or grave liner.

How much does green burial cost?

Green burial typically costs $1,000–$4,000 total, compared to $7,000–$12,000+ for conventional burial. The savings come from eliminating embalming, an expensive casket, and a concrete vault.

What is a conservation burial ground?

A conservation burial ground combines natural burial with land conservation — burial fees fund the preservation of ecologically significant land. The Green Burial Council certifies these as the highest standard of green burial.

Can a death doula help plan a green burial?

Yes. Many death doulas have specific training in home funeral guidance and green burial planning. They can help families navigate the legal requirements, select a shroud or container, choose a natural burial ground, and create a meaningful graveside ceremony.

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