Green Burial Options: Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Traditional Funeral Practices

The short answer: Green burial options include natural burial in undisturbed land, shroud burial, home funerals, biodegradable caskets, aquamation (alkaline hydrolysis), and human composting (natural organic reduction). These alternatives reduce environmental impact by avoiding embalming chemicals, concrete vaults, and metal caskets.

What Makes a Burial "Green"?

A green or natural burial minimizes environmental impact by avoiding or reducing: formaldehyde-based embalming, steel or hardwood caskets, concrete burial vaults, and non-biodegradable materials. The goal is to allow the body to return to the earth as naturally as possible.

Natural Burial Grounds

Natural burial grounds (sometimes called conservation cemeteries) allow burial in undisturbed land without vaults, concrete, or embalming. Bodies are buried in biodegradable shrouds or simple wooden boxes, and the grave is marked with a native plant, stone, or GPS coordinates rather than a headstone. The Green Burial Council certifies burial grounds and funeral providers by sustainability standards.

Biodegradable Caskets and Shrouds

Biodegradable caskets made from willow, bamboo, pine, wicker, or cardboard decompose naturally. Wool or linen burial shrouds are another option. These are often significantly less expensive than traditional caskets ($200–$2,000 vs. $2,000–$10,000+ for conventional caskets).

Home Funerals

A home funeral allows the family to care for the body at home from death through burial or cremation, without a funeral home's involvement. Home funerals are legal in most states (with some variation in requirements). A death doula or home funeral guide can help families navigate the process, including obtaining the death certificate, transportation permits, and coordinating with a natural burial ground.

Aquamation (Alkaline Hydrolysis)

Aquamation uses water, heat, and alkali solution to reduce the body to bone fragments, using 90% less energy than flame cremation and producing no direct carbon emissions. It is currently legal in about 20 US states. The remains are similar to cremated ashes (bone fragments).

Human Composting (Natural Organic Reduction)

Human composting converts the body into nutrient-rich soil in 30–60 days using organic materials, air, and controlled microbial activity. Currently legal in Washington, California, Colorado, Oregon, Vermont, Nevada, Arizona, and New York. Provided by companies like Recompose and Return Home.

Costs of Green Burial

Green burial options are often less expensive than conventional burial. A natural burial with a biodegradable shroud may cost $1,500–$4,000 total, versus $8,000–$15,000 for conventional burial with embalming, vault, and casket.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most eco-friendly burial option?

Human composting (natural organic reduction) and natural burial in a conservation cemetery are generally considered the most eco-friendly options, as they avoid embalming chemicals, concrete, metal, and fossil fuel combustion.

Is a home funeral legal?

Home funerals are legal in most U.S. states, though requirements vary. Families typically need to file a death certificate and obtain a burial or transportation permit. A death doula or home funeral guide can help navigate the process.

How much does green burial cost?

Green burial is often less expensive than conventional burial. A natural burial may cost $1,500–$4,000 total, compared to $8,000–$15,000 for conventional burial with embalming, vault, and casket.

What is aquamation?

Aquamation (alkaline hydrolysis) dissolves the body in a water and alkali solution, using 90% less energy than flame cremation with no direct carbon emissions. It is currently available in about 20 US states and produces bone fragments similar to cremated ashes.

Renidy connects grieving families with compassionate end-of-life professionals. Find support near you.