What Is a Green Burial? A Complete Guide
When a loved one passes, the choices we make in their honor can reflect the values they held dear — including a deep respect for the natural world. Green burial is a growing movement that offers a gentle, earth-friendly alternative to conventional funeral practices. If you're exploring this path, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
What Is a Green Burial?
A green burial — also called a natural burial — is a method of caring for the dead that minimizes environmental impact. Rather than using embalming chemicals, metal caskets, and concrete vaults, green burial returns the body to the earth as naturally as possible, allowing it to decompose and nourish the soil.
The Green Burial Council, the leading nonprofit certifying green burial practices in North America, defines it as burial that conserves natural resources, reduces carbon emissions, protects worker health, and preserves natural habitat.
How Does Green Burial Differ from Conventional Burial?
Conventional burial typically involves:
- Embalming with formaldehyde-based chemicals
- A metal or hardwood casket
- A concrete burial vault or liner
- A manicured cemetery maintained with pesticides and irrigation
Green burial, by contrast, uses:
- No embalming, or only non-toxic preservation methods
- A biodegradable casket made from willow, bamboo, or other natural materials — or a burial shroud
- No concrete vault, allowing direct contact with the soil
- A natural or conservation cemetery that protects the land
What Are the Benefits of Green Burial?
For the environment: Green burial avoids the roughly 800,000 gallons of embalming fluid, 1.6 million tons of concrete, and 4 million acres of cemetery land used in the US each year. It sequesters carbon rather than releasing it.
For families: Many find that a natural burial feels more meaningful and aligned with their loved one's values. It can also be more affordable than a conventional funeral.
For the land: Conservation cemeteries use burial fees to protect and restore natural habitats — your loved one's resting place becomes a living legacy.
What Products Are Used in a Green Burial?
The most common green burial options include:
- Biodegradable caskets: Handcrafted from natural materials like willow or bamboo, these eco caskets decompose naturally and leave no lasting trace.
- Burial shrouds: A simple, dignified wrapping in natural fabric. Our burial shrouds are made from organic materials and are fully biodegradable.
- Biodegradable urns: For those who choose cremation, tree urns and water ceremony urns allow cremated remains to be returned to the earth or sea in a beautiful, eco-conscious way.
- Scattering tubes: For families who wish to scatter ashes in a meaningful place, our scattering tubes offer a simple and elegant solution.
Is Green Burial Legal?
Yes — green burial is legal in all 50 US states, though regulations vary. Most states do not require embalming unless the body is being transported across state lines or there is a significant delay before burial. It's always a good idea to check with your local funeral home or a green burial cemetery in your area.
How Do I Find a Green Burial Cemetery?
The Green Burial Council maintains a directory of certified natural cemeteries and funeral providers across the US. Look for hybrid cemeteries (which offer both conventional and natural burial sections) or dedicated natural burial grounds.
Is Green Burial Right for My Family?
Green burial is a deeply personal choice. It may be the right fit if your family values environmental stewardship, simplicity, or a connection to the natural world. Many families find that the process of planning a natural burial — choosing a handcrafted casket, selecting a meaningful location, forgoing embalming — brings a sense of peace and intentionality to an otherwise difficult time.
If you're just beginning to explore your options, we're here to help. Browse our full range of eco-friendly caskets, burial shrouds, and biodegradable urns — all certified by the Green Burial Council and crafted with care for the earth.