Natural Burial and Green Burial: What Families Need to Know
By CRYSTAL BAI •
The short answer: Natural burial (also called green burial) is the burial of a body without embalming, in a biodegradable container or shroud, directly in the earth to allow natural decomposition. It is legal in all 50 U.S. states, typically less expensive than conventional burial, and increasingly available through dedicated green burial grounds and hybrid cemeteries.
What Is Natural or Green Burial?
Natural burial means returning the body to the earth in the simplest, most direct way: without chemical embalming, without a metal or sealed casket, and in a manner that allows the body to decompose naturally and contribute to the ecosystem. It is the oldest form of human burial and is experiencing a major revival as more people seek environmentally aligned end-of-life choices.
Types of Green Burial
- Simple burial — body wrapped in a shroud or placed in an untreated wood or wicker casket, buried in a conventional cemetery without embalming
- Dedicated green burial ground — burial in a cemetery specifically designed for natural burial, often with native plantings and GPS markers instead of headstones
- Conservation burial — burial on permanently protected conservation land, where the burial fee supports land preservation
- Human composting (terramation) — body is composted into soil over 30–60 days; legal in Washington, Oregon, California, Colorado, Vermont, Nevada, Arizona, New York, and several other states
- Aquamation (alkaline hydrolysis) — water-based alternative to flame cremation; legal in about half of U.S. states
Is Natural Burial Legal?
Yes. Natural burial without embalming is legal in all 50 U.S. states. Embalming is never legally required (though some circumstances, like transportation across state lines or specific religious institutions, may have their own requirements). Home funerals — where the family cares for the body without a funeral director — are legal in all states though some have filing requirements.
The Green Burial Council
The Green Burial Council (greenburialcouncil.org) is the primary certification body for natural burial providers in North America. They certify burial grounds at three levels (Hybrid, Natural, and Conservation) and list certified providers by state.
Cost of Natural Burial
Natural burial is typically less expensive than conventional burial because it skips embalming ($500–$700), expensive caskets, and concrete burial vaults (often required by conventional cemeteries). A simple shroud burial may cost $1,500–$4,000 total. Conservation burial grounds typically charge $2,000–$5,000 for the plot and interment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is natural burial legal in the United States?
Yes. Natural burial without embalming is legal in all 50 states. Embalming is never legally required by law.
What is the difference between green burial and conventional burial?
Green burial skips embalming, uses biodegradable containers, and allows natural decomposition. Conventional burial typically involves embalming, a sealed casket, and a concrete vault.
What is human composting?
Human composting (terramation) converts a body into soil through a controlled composting process over 30–60 days. It is currently legal in Washington, Oregon, California, Colorado, Vermont, Nevada, Arizona, New York, and several other states.
How do I find a green burial ground near me?
The Green Burial Council (greenburialcouncil.org) maintains a directory of certified green burial providers by state. Renidy can also connect you with local end-of-life professionals who specialize in natural burial.
Can a death doula help plan a green burial?
Yes. Many death doulas specialize in natural and home funeral options and can help families understand their rights, find certified green burial providers, and plan meaningful simple burial ceremonies.
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