What is a green or natural burial?

A green burial returns the body to the earth as simply and naturally as possible. There is no embalming with conventional chemicals, the body is placed in a biodegradable casket or shroud, and no concrete burial vault is used, so the body can decompose naturally. It often costs less than a conventional burial because it skips embalming, an elaborate casket, and a vault, though prices vary by cemetery.

Is green burial legal in the US?

Yes. No federal law requires embalming, a conventional casket, or a burial vault, so green burial is legal across the US — but the practice depends on finding a cemetery that allows it, since many conventional cemeteries require a vault. The Green Burial Council certifies cemeteries, funeral homes, and products that meet defined standards, which is a useful way to verify a provider's claims.

What is a conservation burial ground?

A conservation burial ground is the most protective type of green cemetery: burials help fund the permanent protection and restoration of natural land, often with a conservation organization holding a legal easement. Other green options include hybrid cemeteries (conventional cemeteries with a natural-burial section) and dedicated natural burial grounds. Standards differ, which is why third-party certification is helpful.

Green burial, explained

By Karl-Gustav Kallasmaa

Published November 2025 · Updated May 2026 · 8 min read

What natural or green burial is — no embalming, a biodegradable casket or shroud, no vault — plus the types of green cemeteries and how certification works.

The short answer

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.

Three things define it

A burial is “green” when it does all three: no conventional embalming, a biodegradable casket or shroud, and no concrete vault. Skipping those is also exactly why it tends to cost less.

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. The Green Burial Council recognizes three broad types, from a section of a conventional cemetery up to permanently protected land:

The three recognized types of green cemetery. Standards differ, which is why third-party certification helps.
Type	What it is	Land protection
Hybrid cemetery	A conventional cemetery with a natural-burial section that waives the vault rule	None beyond the cemetery itself
Natural burial ground	A site dedicated to green burial; no embalming chemicals, vaults, or non-biodegradable materials	Site-level standards
Conservation burial ground	Burials help fund permanent protection and restoration of natural land	Legal conservation easement, often

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 green cemetery near you — hybrid, natural, or conservation — and confirm its rules in writing.
Ask the funeral home whether it supports natural burial: refrigeration instead of embalming, a biodegradable container, and no vault.
Confirm the vault policy. Many conventional cemeteries require a vault — check before you commit.
Record your wishes where your family will find them; the planning checklist can help.

Your rights on cost

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.