Green Burial Options: Eco-Friendly Alternatives
Green burial is one of the fastest-growing segments of the funeral industry. As environmental awareness increases, more families are choosing eco-friendly alternatives to conventional burial and cremation.
What Is a Green Burial?
A green or natural burial minimizes environmental impact by avoiding embalming chemicals (typically formaldehyde-based), non-biodegradable caskets, and concrete vaults. The body is returned to the earth as naturally as possible.
Green Burial Options
- Natural burial: Body is placed in a biodegradable shroud or casket (wicker, bamboo, pine) directly in the ground. Cost: $1,000 - $4,000.
- Conservation cemetery: Burial grounds that double as nature preserves. Fees support land conservation. Cost: $2,000 - $6,000.
- Alkaline hydrolysis (water cremation): Uses water and alkali instead of flame. Available in about 25 states. Cost: $2,000 - $4,000.
- Human composting (NOR): Legal in several states (WA, CO, OR, VT, CA, NY). The body is transformed into nutrient-rich soil. Cost: $5,000 - $7,000.
- Tree pod/mushroom suit: Emerging technology using fungi or tree seedlings to facilitate natural decomposition. Cost: $1,500 - $5,000.
Cost Comparison
Green burials typically cost 30-50% less than traditional burials because they eliminate the casket, vault, and embalming costs. However, conservation cemetery plots can be comparable to traditional cemetery prices.
Finding Green Burial Options
The Green Burial Council (greenburialcouncil.org) certifies funeral providers and cemeteries. Currently, there are about 300+ green burial cemeteries in the US, with new ones opening regularly. Many traditional cemeteries also now offer "green sections."
Legal Considerations
Green burial is legal in all 50 states, though regulations vary. Some states have specific requirements about burial depth, container type, or proximity to water sources. Always check your state and local regulations before finalizing plans.