What Is Green Burial and How Does It Work?

The short answer: Green burial (natural burial) means returning the body to the earth without embalming chemicals, non-biodegradable caskets, or concrete vaults. The body — wrapped in a shroud or placed in a biodegradable casket — decomposes naturally, enriching the soil and potentially supporting a native plant memorial. It is legal across the US (in varying forms), significantly less expensive than conventional burial, and chosen by people who want their death to be as natural as their life.

What Makes a Burial 'Green'

Green burial avoids the interventions that make conventional burial resource-intensive:

• No embalming — formaldehyde and other chemicals are not used; refrigeration or dry ice serves as temporary preservation if needed
• No conventional casket — biodegradable alternatives include wicker, pine, poplar, willow, or cardboard caskets, or a simple linen, cotton, or wool shroud
• No concrete vault — most cemeteries require concrete vaults to simplify grounds maintenance; green burial cemeteries do not
• No grave markers required — native plants, GPS coordinates, or simple fieldstone markers may replace carved headstones

Types of Green Burial

Hybrid green burial — a conventional cemetery section designated for green burials, typically allowing limited intervention (biodegradable casket required; some may allow temporary refrigeration). Most accessible for most families.

Natural burial ground — a dedicated cemetery that only conducts green burials, often with restored habitat, native plantings, and a conservation easement protecting the land in perpetuity.

Conservation burial ground — the highest standard; burial fees directly fund land conservation. Only about 30–40 sites in the US meet this standard, certified by the Green Burial Council.

Home Burial

In many US states, burial on private property is legal with county permits. Requirements vary — check your county health department and state law. Home burial eliminates cemetery costs but requires careful planning around future land sale and deed recording.

Environmental Impact

The US buries approximately 20 million board feet of wood, 1.6 million tons of concrete, 800,000 gallons of embalming fluid, and 17,000 tons of copper and bronze annually. Green burial eliminates most of this footprint and can restore habitat while memorializing the deceased.

Cost

Green burial typically costs $1,000–$4,000 total, significantly less than conventional burial ($8,000–$15,000+). The main cost savings come from eliminating embalming, conventional caskets, and concrete vaults.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is green burial legal in my state?

Yes — natural burial is legal in every US state. What varies is whether your chosen cemetery permits it and local regulations for home burial. The Green Burial Council (greenburialcouncil.org) maintains a directory of certified providers by state.

Can I have a green burial if I live far from a green cemetery?

Transportation is an option — some families transport a body for green burial in a meaningful location. Requirements for body transportation vary by state and carrier. A death doula or funeral home can help coordinate logistics.

Is green burial more sanitary?

Yes — research shows that unembalmed bodies decompose naturally without significant public health risk when buried at appropriate depth and distance from water sources. Green burial has been practiced for thousands of years without embalming.

What does a green burial site look like?

It depends on the cemetery. Some conservation burial grounds look like wildflower meadows or forests. Native plants may mark individual graves. Some families plant a memorial tree. GPS coordinates allow future visitors to locate the site even without a conventional headstone.

Can I plan a green burial in advance?

Yes. Many green burial cemeteries and funeral providers offer pre-arrangement. Documenting your preference and identifying your chosen cemetery in advance ensures your wishes are followed.

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