Glossary
What is green burial?
Green burial, or natural burial, is burial that minimizes environmental impact by skipping embalming chemicals, metal caskets, and concrete vaults. The body is placed in a biodegradable casket or shroud so it can return naturally to the earth.
A green burial typically uses no embalming, a casket or shroud made of natural materials, and often no outer burial vault. Some dedicated natural burial grounds and conservation cemeteries are designed around these practices.
Requirements differ by cemetery and state, and not every cemetery permits vault-free burial, so families usually confirm what a specific site allows before planning.
Related terms
Shroud
A shroud is a cloth used to wrap a body for burial in place of a casket. Made from natural fibers such as cotton, linen, or wool, shrouds are common in green burials and in some religious traditions that call for simple, biodegradable materials.
Embalming
Embalming is the temporary preservation of a body by replacing its fluids with chemical solutions that slow decomposition. It is sometimes used before a viewing or for transport, but is rarely required by law and is not necessary for most funerals.
Burial vault
A burial vault is a sealed outer container, usually concrete or reinforced material, that encloses the casket in the grave. It supports the soil above and helps keep the ground level. Many cemeteries require a vault or a grave liner.
Disposition
Disposition refers to the final handling of a body — most commonly burial, entombment, cremation, or alkaline hydrolysis. The method of disposition is recorded on official paperwork and usually requires authorization from the legal next of kin.
See also
Common questions about Green burial
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This definition is general information, not legal or financial advice. Laws and prices vary by state and provider. See our editorial standards.