Green burial, explained

Green burial — also called natural burial — returns the body to the earth as simply as possible, without the embalming chemicals, sealed caskets, and concrete vaults of a conventional burial. For many families it reflects environmental values, a wish for simplicity, or both, and it often costs less. The practice is legal across the US; the main task is finding a cemetery that allows it.

What makes a burial “green”

• No conventional embalming. The body is refrigerated rather than embalmed with formaldehyde-based chemicals, or preserved with non-toxic methods.
• A biodegradable casket or shroud. Plain wood, wicker, bamboo, or a simple cloth shroud — materials that break down naturally.
• No burial vault. The body is placed directly in the earth so it can decompose, rather than sealed in a concrete liner.

Types of green cemeteries

Not every green cemetery offers the same level of protection. There are three broad types:

• Hybrid cemeteries — conventional cemeteries that set aside a section for natural burial and waive the usual vault requirement there.
• Natural burial grounds — sites dedicated entirely to green burial, with standards prohibiting embalming chemicals, vaults, and non-biodegradable materials.
• Conservation burial grounds — the most protective: burials help fund the permanent protection and restoration of natural land, often under a legal conservation easement.

Certification: how to verify the claims

Because “green” is not a regulated label, third-party certification matters. The Green Burial Councilsets standards and certifies cemeteries, funeral homes, and products such as caskets and shrouds. Looking for certification, and asking a cemetery directly about its rules on embalming, vaults, and materials, is the best way to confirm a provider's practices live up to the term.

The cost picture

Green burial often costs less than a conventional burial because it skips embalming, an elaborate casket, and a vault. A simple plot, a biodegradable container, and basic services can add up to noticeably less — though conservation burial grounds may charge more for the land protection they fund. As always, prices vary widely, so compare itemized lists. Our breakdown of funeral costs shows which lines a green burial removes.

Planning a green burial

Find a hybrid, natural, or conservation cemetery near you and confirm its rules in writing. Ask a funeral home whether it supports natural burial — refrigeration instead of embalming, a biodegradable container, and no vault — and note your wishes where your family will find them. Our planning checklist can help.

Under the FTC Funeral Rule, embalming is rarely required by law, a provider cannot embalm for a fee without permission, and you may supply your own biodegradable casket or shroud without a surcharge. Get the itemized price list and confirm the cemetery's vault policy before you commit.