What Is a Green Burial? A Guide to Natural and Eco-Friendly Death Care
By CRYSTAL BAI •
The short answer: A green burial (also called natural burial) is an eco-friendly alternative to conventional burial in which the body is returned to the earth without embalming, metal caskets, or concrete vaults. The body decomposes naturally, nourishing the soil and often marking the grave with a native plant or simple stone. Green burial is legal in all 50 US states and is growing in popularity.
What Is a Green Burial?
A green burial — also called natural burial or eco-burial — is a method of laying the body to rest that minimizes environmental impact and allows the body to decompose naturally. Instead of the conventional burial process (embalming with formaldehyde, a metal or sealed wood casket, a concrete vault), a green burial uses:
- No embalming, or embalming with biodegradable chemicals only
- A shroud, simple wood casket, or wicker casket that biodegrades
- No concrete vault — the body is in direct contact with soil
- A natural burial ground, conservation burial ground, or family land (where permitted)
- A simple grave marker: a native plant, natural stone, or GPS coordinates
Types of Green Burial
Simple green burial: A biodegradable container and no embalming, at a conventional cemetery that permits green sections. This is the most accessible and affordable option.
Natural burial ground: A dedicated natural burial site where graves are marked with native plants and managed as a nature preserve. The land is protected in perpetuity.
Conservation burial: Natural burial in land that is permanently protected as a conservation area through a land trust or conservation easement. The grave fees fund land conservation.
Home burial: Legal in most US states on private property, with specific requirements for death certificate, burial permit, and setback from water sources.
Human composting (natural organic reduction): Legal in several states (Washington, Oregon, Colorado, California, and others), this process converts the body into soil over several weeks. The resulting compost can be returned to family or used to nourish land.
Environmental Benefits
Conventional burial in the US uses an enormous volume of resources annually: formaldehyde-based embalming fluid, steel and wood caskets, and concrete vaults. Green burial eliminates most of these impacts and, in the case of conservation burial, actively supports ecosystem preservation.
Legal Status
Green burial is legal in all 50 states, though regulations vary. Home burial requirements differ significantly by state. A death doula can help you understand your options and connect you with natural burial grounds and funeral practitioners who specialize in green death care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is green burial legal everywhere in the United States?
Green burial is legal in all 50 US states. However, specific requirements — for home burial, natural burial grounds, and human composting — vary significantly by state and county. A death doula or green burial advocate can guide you through the regulations in your area.
Is a green burial less expensive than a conventional burial?
Generally yes. Without embalming, metal caskets, or concrete vaults, green burial can cost significantly less than conventional burial. A simple shroud burial at a natural burial ground may cost $1,500–$5,000, compared to $8,000–$15,000+ for conventional burial.
What is human composting and is it available in my state?
Human composting (natural organic reduction) is a process that transforms the body into soil in 4–8 weeks. It is currently legal in Washington, Oregon, Colorado, California, Vermont, Nevada, and several other states. Laws are evolving rapidly.
Can I pre-plan a green burial?
Yes. Pre-planning is highly recommended for green burial — finding a natural burial ground, choosing a container, and communicating your wishes to family well in advance. A death doula can help facilitate this planning.
Does Renidy connect families with green burial resources?
Yes. Renidy connects families with death doulas who specialize in green burial planning and can guide you through natural burial options in your area.
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