Green and Natural Burial Options Explained

A growing number of families are choosing environmentally conscious options for a loved one's final arrangements. Understanding what these options actually involve can help you decide whether one is right for your family, especially if sustainability was something the person who died cared about during their life.

What natural burial means

A natural or green burial skips embalming chemicals, uses a biodegradable casket or shroud instead of a traditional casket and vault, and forgoes a concrete burial liner. The body decomposes naturally, and gravesites are often left unmarked or marked with a simple stone or native plant rather than a traditional headstone. Some green cemeteries use GPS coordinates instead of visible markers entirely, preserving the natural landscape of the burial ground.

Where natural burials take place

Not every cemetery permits natural burial. Dedicated green cemeteries are becoming more common across the country, and some conventional cemeteries now offer designated green burial sections alongside traditional ones. It's worth confirming with a specific cemetery before assuming the option is available, since regulations and available space vary widely by location and state.

Cost considerations

Natural burial is often less expensive than a traditional burial, since it eliminates embalming, a vault, and sometimes a costly casket. However, costs vary by provider, so it's still worth comparing prices directly rather than assuming green options are automatically cheaper across the board.

Cremation as an alternative

For families drawn to the environmental angle of natural burial but who prefer cremation, there are ways to reduce the footprint further, and to avoid the environmental impact of scattering by keeping remains in a lasting, tangible form instead. This appeals particularly to families who want an eco-conscious option without giving up the ability to keep a physical connection to their loved one.