How Do You Plan a Natural or Green Burial? A Complete Guide for 2025

The short answer: A natural or green burial returns the body to the earth without embalming chemicals, metal caskets, or concrete vaults. It's legal in every U.S. state, often significantly less expensive than conventional burial, and increasingly popular as an eco-conscious alternative. Planning involves choosing a natural burial cemetery, preparing minimal body preparation, and completing legal paperwork.

What Is a Natural or Green Burial?

A natural burial (also called green burial) is a method of body disposition that minimizes environmental impact and allows natural decomposition. Key characteristics include:

• No embalming with formaldehyde or other preservative chemicals
• Biodegradable casket, shroud, or wicker coffin instead of metal
• No concrete vault or grave liner
• Shallow burial (often 3-4 feet rather than 6 feet) to allow aerobic decomposition
• Simple grave marker: stone, planted native shrub, or GPS coordinates

Types of Green Burial

The Green Burial Council (greenburialcouncil.org) certifies three levels:

• Hybrid burial grounds: Conventional cemeteries with a green section; allow shrouds/biodegradable caskets without vaults
• Natural burial grounds: Dedicated green cemeteries; no embalming, no vaults, biodegradable containers
• Conservation burial grounds: Green burial paired with land conservation — burial fees fund the permanent protection of natural land

Is Green Burial Legal?

Yes — natural burial is legal in all 50 U.S. states, though regulations vary. No state requires embalming for domestic burial; embalming is only required in some states for certain transport circumstances. A funeral director or home funeral guide can help navigate state-specific requirements.

How to Plan a Green Burial

1. Choose a green burial cemetery: Use the Green Burial Council directory (greenburialcouncil.org/find-a-provider) to find certified providers near you
2. Purchase burial rights: Buy the grave plot in advance (pre-planning) or at time of death; green cemetery plots often cost $1,000–$4,000 — less than conventional cemetery plots
3. Arrange body preparation: Refrigeration (instead of embalming) is typically used; dry ice is another option for home funerals
4. Select a container: Biodegradable options include linen or cotton shrouds ($50-$500), wicker or willow caskets ($500-$2,000), or untreated wood caskets
5. Complete legal requirements: Death certificate, burial permit, and disposition authorization vary by state
6. Hold the service: Graveside services, woodland ceremonies, or simple committal at the burial site are common

Cost of Green Burial

Natural burial is typically significantly less expensive than conventional burial:

• Green cemetery plot: $1,000–$4,000 (vs. $3,000–$7,000 conventional)
• Biodegradable container: $50–$2,000 (vs. $2,000–$10,000 metal casket)
• No embalming: $0 (vs. $700–$1,200 for conventional embalming)
• No vault: $0 (vs. $1,000–$2,000 for concrete vault)
• Total average green burial: $2,000–$7,000 (vs. $9,000–$14,000 conventional)

Human Composting: An Emerging Option

Natural organic reduction (NOR), also called human composting, converts human remains to soil over 4-6 weeks. Currently legal in Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Vermont, California, Nevada, New York, Arizona, Delaware, Hawaii, Minnesota, and Maryland. Providers include Return Home and Recompose. Renidy can connect families with natural burial and composting resources in their area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is green burial allowed in all 50 states?

Natural burial is legal in all 50 U.S. states, though specific regulations vary. Most states require a burial permit and death certificate regardless of burial type. No state requires embalming for domestic burial. Some states have additional requirements around burial depth or setback from water sources.

How does the body decompose in a green burial?

Without embalming chemicals and concrete vaults, the body decomposes naturally through microbial action, returning its nutrients to the surrounding soil. In ideal conditions, soft tissue decomposes within 1-3 years; full skeletal decomposition can take decades. This natural cycle nourishes surrounding plants and soil organisms.

Can you have a viewing before a green burial?

Yes, with some planning. Home visitation or viewing is possible without embalming if the body is kept refrigerated and viewing occurs within 2-3 days of death. Some funeral homes offer refrigeration as an alternative to embalming for families planning green burials.

What is a conservation burial ground?

Conservation burial grounds combine natural burial with permanent land protection. Burial fees fund a conservation easement protecting the land from development forever. Examples include Ramsey Creek Preserve in South Carolina and Prairie Creek Woods in Illinois. They're often located in meadows, forests, or prairies with native plants.

How do I find a green burial cemetery near me?

The Green Burial Council (greenburialcouncil.org) maintains the most comprehensive directory of certified natural burial providers in the U.S. The Natural End Map also lists providers. Renidy's platform can help connect families with green burial resources and death doulas knowledgeable about natural burial planning in their region.

Renidy connects grieving families with compassionate death doulas and AI-powered funeral planning tools. Try our free AI funeral planner or find a death doula near you.