Green and Natural Burial Options

Green or natural burial — interment without embalming, metal caskets, or concrete vaults — is a growing alternative to conventional burial. It is simpler, less expensive, and more ecologically sound. For people motivated by environmental values or a preference for a more natural approach, it's worth understanding what green burial involves and how to arrange it.

What Is Green Burial?

In a green burial:

The body is not embalmed (or, in some cases, embalmed with biodegradable, non-toxic preservatives)
The body is placed in a biodegradable container — a simple wooden coffin, a shroud, or a wicker/woven casket
The body is buried directly in the earth, without a concrete or metal vault or liner
Grave markers, if any, are natural — a native stone, a tree, or GPS coordinates rather than a manicured cemetery headstone

The goal is to allow the body to return to the earth naturally, without the chemical preservation and physical isolation of conventional burial.

Types of Green Burial

Hybrid green burial

A standard cemetery that allows simplified burial in certain sections — no vaults required, natural markers permitted. The body is not embalmed, but the cemetery itself is otherwise maintained conventionally (mowed lawns, headstones in other sections). This is the most accessible form of green burial, available in many existing cemeteries.

Natural burial ground

A cemetery specifically dedicated to green burial. No embalming, no vaults, no concrete. Grave markers are natural — native stones or plants. The cemetery is typically managed to maintain natural habitat rather than manicured lawn. The Green Burial Council (greenburialcouncil.org) maintains a directory of certified natural burial grounds.

Conservation burial

The highest standard of green burial. The burial site is integrated into land conservation — a nature preserve, wildlife corridor, or protected natural area. Burials help fund the conservation mission. Very limited availability but deeply meaningful for environmentally committed families.

Home Burial

Home burial — burying a family member on private property — is legal in most US states, though regulations vary widely. Requirements typically include:

Minimum depth requirements (often 3–4 feet)
Minimum distance from water sources and property lines
Death certificate and burial permit (required in all states)
Notification of the county health department
The property must be in a rural area (some states prohibit it within municipalities)

The National Home Funeral Alliance (homefuneralalliance.org) provides state-by-state guidance and resources for families interested in home burial.

Environmental Impact Comparison

Conventional burial: Embalming chemicals (formaldehyde) enter the soil over time; metal caskets, vaults, and headstones require significant resource extraction; takes up land in perpetuity
Conventional cremation: Burns natural gas, releases CO₂ and small amounts of mercury (from dental fillings) into the air; about 1/8 the carbon footprint of conventional burial
Green burial: No embalming chemicals; minimal or biodegradable materials; returns nutrients to the soil; minimal ongoing land management
Alkaline hydrolysis (water cremation): Uses water and alkali at high temperature and pressure; about 1/10 the carbon footprint of flame cremation; legal in about 20 states

Cost of Green Burial

Green burial is typically significantly less expensive than conventional burial:

Shroud: $100–$800
Simple wooden or wicker casket: $500–$2,000
Green burial cemetery plot: $1,000–$4,000 (varies by location)
No embalming, no vault, no elaborate casket

Total costs are often 30–60% less than a conventional burial, though natural burial ground cemetery costs can be higher in some markets due to scarcity.

Finding Green Burial Options Near You

Green Burial Council (greenburialcouncil.org) — directory of certified providers
National Home Funeral Alliance (homefuneralalliance.org) — for home burial resources
Local funeral homes — many now offer green burial options or can connect you with natural burial grounds

For the complete funeral planning guide, see our complete funeral planning guide. For comparing burial and cremation options more broadly, see our article on burial vs. cremation.