Green burial — also called natural burial — is the practice of returning the body to the earth in a way that minimizes environmental impact. No embalming with formaldehyde. No concrete vault. No lacquered hardwood or steel casket. Instead, the body is placed in a biodegradable container (wicker, cardboard, undyed cotton shroud, or sustainably harvested wood) and buried in a conservation cemetery where native plants and trees serve as living memorials rather than polished granite headstones. What was once considered fringe is now one of the fastest-growing segments of the funeral industry.
The Environmental Case for Green Burial
The conventional American funeral is, by any environmental metric, extraordinarily resource-intensive. The Green Burial Council estimates that every year, U.S. cemeteries bury:
- 4.3 million gallons of embalming fluid (containing formaldehyde, methanol, and other chemicals)
- 20 million board feet of hardwood (caskets)
- 1.6 million tons of reinforced concrete (burial vaults)
- 17,000 tons of copper and bronze (caskets)
- 64,500 tons of steel (caskets and vaults)
Conventional cremation, while less land-intensive, requires the equivalent of 28 gallons of fuel per cremation and releases approximately 540 pounds of carbon dioxide, plus mercury from dental fillings, into the atmosphere.
Green burial eliminates nearly all of these inputs. The body decomposes naturally, enriching the soil and supporting native ecosystems. Many green cemeteries are simultaneously functioning as land conservation preserves, permanently protecting hundreds of acres from commercial development.
What Makes a Burial 'Green'?
The Green Burial Council (GBC) has established three tiers of certification for cemeteries and funeral providers:
- Hybrid Cemetery: A conventional cemetery that offers a green burial section. The green section prohibits vaults and requires biodegradable containers, but the surrounding cemetery may still allow conventional burials.
- Natural Burial Ground: A cemetery dedicated entirely to green practices. No embalming, no vaults, no non-biodegradable containers. Grave markers are typically flat natural stones, native plantings, or GPS-recorded coordinates rather than traditional headstones.
- Conservation Cemetery: The gold standard. A natural burial ground that is simultaneously a legally protected conservation easement. Burial fees fund the permanent protection and ecological restoration of the land. These cemeteries partner with land trusts to ensure the property can never be developed.
For a burial to qualify as 'green' under GBC standards, it must meet these minimum criteria:
- No embalming (or use of only non-toxic, plant-based embalming fluids)
- Biodegradable burial container (shroud, wicker, cardboard, or untreated wood)
- No concrete or metal vault
- No grave liner
Cost Comparison: Green vs. Conventional
One of the most compelling aspects of green burial is that it is often significantly less expensive than conventional alternatives:
| Item | Conventional Burial | Green Burial |
|---|---|---|
| Embalming | $800–$1,400 | $0 (not performed) |
| Casket | $2,000–$10,000 | $200–$2,000 (biodegradable) |
| Vault/Liner | $1,500–$3,000 | $0 (not used) |
| Cemetery Plot | $1,000–$5,000 | $1,000–$4,000 |
| Headstone | $1,000–$5,000 | $0–$500 (natural marker) |
| Total Estimate | $6,300–$24,400 | $1,200–$6,500 |
The savings come primarily from eliminating embalming, using a simple biodegradable container instead of a manufactured casket, and forgoing the concrete vault and polished headstone. However, it is worth noting that green cemetery plots in high-demand areas (particularly conservation cemeteries near major cities) can be comparable in price to conventional plots.
Religious and Cultural Compatibility
Green burial is compatible with — and in many cases, mandated by — several major religious traditions:
- Judaism: Traditional Jewish burial law (Halacha) already aligns perfectly with green burial principles. Embalming is prohibited, simple wooden caskets without metal hardware are required, and burial should occur as soon as possible. Many Jewish cemeteries are effectively green cemeteries by religious mandate.
- Islam: Islamic burial practices closely mirror green burial. The body is washed and wrapped in a plain white shroud (kafan) and buried directly in the earth without a casket. Embalming is generally prohibited.
- Christianity: While no major Christian denomination prohibits green burial, some Catholic traditions prefer embalming and viewing. Consult with your parish priest if uncertain.
- Hinduism and Buddhism: Both traditions historically favor cremation, but green burial is accepted and increasingly embraced, particularly in Western practice.
How to Find a Green Burial Provider
The number of green burial providers in the United States has grown dramatically, but availability still varies by region:
- Green Burial Council Directory: The GBC maintains a searchable directory of certified providers at greenburialcouncil.org. This is the most reliable way to find verified green cemeteries.
- Our Directory: Use our funeral home search to identify providers in your area that list green or natural burial among their services.
- Hybrid Cemeteries: If no dedicated green cemetery exists near you, many conventional cemeteries now offer green burial sections. Call local cemeteries and ask if they permit burial without a vault and in a biodegradable container.
- Home Burial: In many states, burial on private property is legal with proper permits. This is the ultimate green burial option but requires careful attention to local zoning laws, deed restrictions, and setback requirements from wells and water sources.
If you choose green burial, inform your family and document your wishes in writing. Because green burial is still less common than conventional options, family members may need clear guidance to ensure your preferences are honored.