The American funeral industry has changed dramatically over the past century. What was once a simple, natural process has become an elaborate, chemical-intensive practice with significant environmental costs. Traditional burial in the United States annually uses approximately 30 million board feet of hardwood, 90,000 tons of steel, 1.6 million tons of concrete, and 4.3 million gallons of embalming fluid, according to the Green Burial Council.
Green burial, also known as natural burial, represents a return to the way humans have been buried for thousands of years. Without chemical preservatives, concrete vaults, or metal caskets, the body is allowed to decompose naturally and return nutrients to the earth. This approach not only reduces environmental impact but often provides a more meaningful, personalized experience for families while costing significantly less than traditional burial.
Whether you're motivated by environmental concerns, spiritual beliefs, cost savings, or simply a desire for simplicity, this guide covers everything you need to know about green burial options in the United States.
What is Green Burial?
Green burial is an approach to death care that prioritizes environmental sustainability. At its core, green burial involves three main principles:
No Toxic Chemicals
Bodies are not embalmed with formaldehyde or other preservatives that can leach into soil and groundwater.
Biodegradable Materials
Containers are made from natural materials like wicker, bamboo, untreated wood, cardboard, or simple shrouds.
Natural Landscape
Burial grounds feature native plants, minimal maintenance, and often serve as protected wildlife habitats.
Important Distinction
"Green burial" and "natural burial" are often used interchangeably, but "conservation burial" specifically refers to burial in protected natural areas with permanent land conservation easements. Conservation cemeteries represent the highest environmental standard.
Environmental Benefits
The environmental impact of traditional burial is substantial. Green burial offers a meaningful way to reduce your final environmental footprint while contributing to habitat preservation.
Green cemeteries preserve natural habitats and often establish permanent conservation easements, protecting land from future development.
Traditional embalming uses formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Green burial eliminates these chemicals from entering the soil and groundwater.
Manufacturing a steel casket produces approximately 250 kg of CO2. Natural burial with biodegradable materials significantly reduces emissions.
Bodies return nutrients to the earth naturally, supporting plant growth and completing the natural cycle of life.
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Green Burial Certifications
The Green Burial Council (GBC) is the leading certification body for green burial in North America. Understanding certification levels helps you choose a cemetery that matches your environmental values.
- May allow concrete vaults
- Some embalming restrictions
- Grave markers allowed
- Mixed burial methods on site
- No embalming chemicals allowed
- Biodegradable containers only
- Natural grave markers
- Sustainable landscaping practices
- Permanent land protection easement
- Active habitat restoration
- Partnership with land trusts
- Ecological burial practices only
Verifying Certification
Always verify a cemetery's certification status directly with the Green Burial Council. Some cemeteries claim to be "green" without meeting official standards. Ask for documentation of certification and specific practices they follow. True green cemeteries will be transparent about their methods and happy to provide details.
Natural vs Traditional Burial
| Aspect | Green/Natural Burial | Traditional Burial |
|---|---|---|
| Embalming | Not permitted or natural alternatives | Formaldehyde-based chemicals |
| Casket | Biodegradable materials only | Metal, hardwood, fiberglass |
| Vault/Liner | Not used | Concrete or metal vault required |
| Grave Marker | Native plants, flat stones, GPS coordinates | Upright granite headstones |
| Landscaping | Native plants, natural meadow or woodland | Manicured lawn, non-native plants |
| Average Cost | $1,000 - $4,000 | $7,000 - $12,000+ |
| Land Use | Conservation-focused, habitat restoration | Permanent cemetery maintenance |
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Biodegradable Casket Options
One of the beautiful aspects of green burial is the variety of natural container options available. From elegant woven caskets to simple shrouds, these choices reflect personal values while supporting environmental goals.
Fully biodegradable, handcrafted, elegant appearance
Traditional appearance, readily available, affordable
Most affordable, can be decorated, very lightweight
Most natural option, minimal material, simple elegance
Accelerates decomposition, neutralizes toxins
Naturally biodegradable, warm appearance
DIY and Family-Made Options
Many families choose to build or decorate their own caskets, creating a meaningful project that honors the deceased. Simple pine boxes, decorated shrouds, or personalized cardboard caskets can be created at home. Some green cemeteries offer workshops to help families create containers. This personal involvement often provides comfort and closure during the grieving process.
Conservation Burial Grounds
Conservation cemeteries represent the highest environmental standard in green burial. These properties are protected by legal conservation easements, ensuring the land will remain natural habitat in perpetuity. Burial fees directly fund land acquisition and habitat restoration.
Ramsey Creek Preserve
Westminster, SC
Foxfield Preserve
Wilmot, OH
Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery
Gainesville, FL
Honey Creek Woodlands
Conyers, GA
Benefits of Conservation Cemeteries
- Permanent land protection through legal easements
- Active habitat restoration and wildlife support
- Partnership with established land trusts
- Creates lasting ecological legacy
What to Expect
- Natural setting among native plants and wildlife
- GPS coordinates rather than traditional markers
- Walking trails through burial grounds
- Seasonal changes in landscape appearance
How to Find Green Cemeteries
The availability of green burial options has grown significantly in recent years. Our database includes 519+ green cemeteries and natural burial grounds across the United States. Here's how to find options near you:
Search Our Database
Use our cemetery search to find green cemeteries, natural burial grounds, and conservation cemeteries in your area.
Browse Green CemeteriesNatural Burial Grounds
Find dedicated natural burial sites that follow strict environmental practices.
Browse Natural Burial SitesQuestions to Ask Green Cemeteries
- Are you certified by the Green Burial Council?
- Is embalming prohibited or just discouraged?
- What container materials are acceptable?
- How are graves marked and located?
- Is there a conservation easement on the land?
- What happens to the land long-term?
- Can family participate in the burial?
- What are the total costs including opening/closing?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Green burial, also called natural burial, is an environmentally friendly approach to interment that aims to have minimal environmental impact. The body is not embalmed with chemical preservatives and is placed in a biodegradable container (or shroud) without a burial vault. The goal is to allow the body to decompose naturally and return nutrients to the earth. Green burial grounds often feature native landscaping, natural grave markers, and may be part of conservation efforts to protect wildlife habitats.
Yes, green burial is legal in all 50 US states. No state requires embalming by law (though some require it for certain circumstances like delayed burial or interstate transport). No state requires a burial vault or liner, though individual cemeteries may have their own requirements. Home burial is legal in most states with proper permits and property considerations. However, regulations vary by state regarding depth of burial, distance from water sources, and other requirements. Always check local ordinances.
Green burial typically costs significantly less than traditional burial. A complete green burial including plot, burial services, and biodegradable container ranges from $1,000 to $4,000 at most green cemeteries. Compare this to traditional burial averaging $7,000-$12,000 or more. Savings come from eliminating embalming ($500-$900), expensive caskets ($1,000-$10,000), concrete vaults ($1,000-$4,000), and elaborate headstones ($1,000-$3,000). However, conservation cemetery plots in desirable locations may cost more due to land conservation fees.
The Green Burial Council (GBC) provides the most recognized certification standards. Look for these levels: Hybrid cemeteries offer some green options within traditional cemeteries. Natural Burial Grounds follow strict environmental practices. Conservation Cemeteries (highest standard) combine burial with permanent land protection and habitat restoration. Additionally, some cemeteries partner with local land trusts or have conservation easements. Always ask about their specific practices, as certification standards and enforcement can vary.
Yes, absolutely. Green burial allows for all traditional elements of a funeral service. For viewings without embalming, the body can be refrigerated or kept cool with dry ice. Services can be held at funeral homes, churches, or outdoors at the burial site. Many families find graveside services particularly meaningful at green cemeteries surrounded by nature. The main differences are using natural preservation methods and biodegradable containers. Some families even participate in filling the grave, creating a more personal and meaningful experience.
Start by searching our database of over 519 green cemeteries and natural burial grounds across the United States. The Green Burial Council website maintains a directory of certified green cemeteries. You can also search for "natural burial" or "conservation cemetery" plus your state. Even if there's no dedicated green cemetery nearby, many traditional cemeteries now offer green burial sections. Contact local cemeteries to ask about their green burial options and what practices they allow.
With green burial, the body undergoes natural decomposition as nature intended. Without chemical preservation and sealed containers, aerobic decomposition begins within days. Soft tissues typically decompose within 2-12 months depending on soil conditions, temperature, and moisture. Skeletal remains take longer, potentially decades. Throughout this process, nutrients return to the soil, supporting plant growth. In conservation cemeteries, this creates a meaningful ecological contribution as the burial site becomes part of a thriving natural habitat.
Yes, several other eco-friendly options exist. Aquamation (alkaline hydrolysis) uses water instead of flame and produces fewer emissions than cremation. Human composting (now legal in several states) transforms the body into nutrient-rich soil over about 30 days. Reef burials incorporate cremated remains into artificial reef structures. Memorial trees and "living urns" allow cremated remains to nourish a growing tree. Each option has different availability, costs, and environmental impacts to consider based on your priorities and location.
Related Resources
Complete Funeral Planning Guide
Comprehensive guide to funeral costs, checklists, and planning ahead.
Green Cemeteries Directory
Browse 519+ green cemeteries across the United States.
Natural Burial Grounds
Find dedicated natural burial sites near you.
Search All Cemeteries
Search our complete database of 6,000+ cemeteries.