Green burials have been gaining more attention in recent years as trends shift away from traditional burial methods in favor of more affordable, eco-friendly alternatives. In June 2020, there were 287 recognized green funeral homes in the US and Canada. Just over four years later, that number has grown to 466, according to the Green Burial Council, demonstrating the increased demand for sustainable burial options.

While the industry is expanding, green burials are not yet as mainstream as cremation, making it more challenging to understand these services fully. What exactly are green burial services, and how do you choose the right one for your needs? Here are eleven essential tips to help you find a green funeral home that’s right for you.

What is a Green Burial?

A green burial, also known as a natural burial, is a sustainable end-of-life option. It’s a respectful way of burying the dead with minimal environmental impact that aids in the conservation of natural resources. By eliminating non-biodegradable materials there’s a reduction of carbon emissions and land benefits.

Green Burial Tip: 1. Regulations

While green burials are legal in most states, specific regulations can vary widely. These regulations may include required burial depths or distances from water sources. It’s crucial to ensure that the green funeral home you choose is knowledgeable about and compliant with all relevant state laws to avoid any legal issues.

• Compliance: Verify that the funeral home adheres to all state-specific burial regulations.
• Licensing: Ensure the cemetery is properly licensed. Licensing confirms that the provider meets regulatory requirements.
• Protected-Land: Check that the cemetery grounds are protected indefinitely, ensuring the burial site remains undisturbed for future generations.

Remember, cemeteries can be operated by various entities, including religious organizations, cities, counties, or cemetery districts, the military, Native American tribal organizations, and other groups. If you’re unsure who regulates a particular cemetery, don’t hesitate to ask the greenmanager for clarification.

Green Burial Tips: 2. Type of Cemetery 

Different green funeral homes offer various cemetery options. Knowing the types of options available will help you choose a cemetery that aligns with your values and preferences. See whose near you by checking out our Partner Directory.

Here are some common options:

Green Burial Options: Hybrid Cemeteries

These are areas within conventional cemeteries where green burial occurs without a concrete vault, chemical embalming, and with a biodegradable container. 

Green Burial Options: Natural Burial Cemeteries

These cemeteries are dedicated entirely to green burials, employing all three elements of a green burial: a non-toxic body preparation, the absence of a concrete vault, and the use of a biodegradable container.

Green Burial Options: Conservation Preserves

In a conservation cemetery, a land trust entity preserves land that is partly used for green burials. This helps protect and restore wildlife habitats.  

Green Burial Options: Private Plot

In some cases, individuals may opt for a private cemetery on their own property. This can be a meaningful and personal way to honor a loved one while adhering to green burial principles.

Green Burial Tips: 3. Mission & Activities

Understanding the green funeral home’s mission and activities can provide insight into their commitment to sustainability and whether their vision aligns with your values. Some green funeral home cemeteries offer recreational or educational programs, community events, bird watching, or walking trails. These activities make the cemetery a social hub (while balancing a respectful tone), where life continues, promoting a sense of community and connection to nature.

Green Burial Tips: 4. Certification

Check whether the green funeral home is certified by the Green Burial Council. This certification ensures that the provider adheres to specific eco-friendly standards and practices. A certified provider is committed to reducing the environmental footprint of their burials, making them a trustworthy choice for your needs.

Green Burial Tip: 5. Better Business Bureau Rating

Check the green funeral home’s reputation by looking up their ranking on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website. A good BBB ranking indicates that the green funeral home provider is reputable and has a history of satisfactory customer service.

Green Burial Tip: 6. Tour the Land 

Before making a decision, tour the green funeral home’s cemetery grounds to ensure they are well-maintained. A well-kept cemetery reflects the provider’s commitment to preserving the environment and honoring the deceased.

Green Burial Tip: 7. Time Frame & Refrigeration

It’s important to get clarity from the green funeral home about the timeline of events once a loved one perishes. Is the green funeral home able to move quickly? Or, do they only offer burials on specific days? Will they allow you to delay a green burial if needed?

Refrigeration is a natural alternative to embalming, preserving the body until burial. If you do need to delay services, keep in mind that a refrigerated body lasts about three to four weeks. Inquire with the green funeral home how long they can keep the body before burial and if they have enough space to keep the body on site. This service may impact overall cost.

Green Burial Tip: 8. Biodegradable Containers & Shrouds

Green burials require biodegradable containers instead of traditional caskets made of steel, bronze, or exotic hardwoods. Options include pine coffins, wicker baskets, papier-mâché eco-pods, or even shrouds made of natural materials. Ensure that the green funeral home offers suitable biodegradable containers that meet your needs and budget.

Green Burial Tip: 9. Ceremony

Verify that you can personalize your ceremony if that’s of interest to you. Clergy services, military honors, music of all description may be part of honoring the life of a loved one. Discuss these options with the green funeral home to ensure they can accommodate your wishes and provide a fitting tribute.

Also inquire if the green funeral home allows family gatherings and participation during the green burial process. Involving family members can make the ceremony more personal and meaningful, allowing loved ones to actively take part in honoring the deceased.

Green Burial Tip: 10. Memorial Markers

Ask if the green funeral home uses natural markers (rather than traditional tombstones) to mark the grave. Natural markers, such as engraved rocks, wooden plaques, or even planting a memorial tree, blend seamlessly with the environment and maintain the natural beauty of the burial site. They also reduce the ecological impact compared to traditional tombstones. Discuss these options with your green funeral home to find a choice that honors your loved one in the most environmentally-conscious way.

Is Green Burial Right for Me?

Green burial is one of many sustainable end-of-life options. The availability of providers near you may limit your choices. Another natural alternative to cemeteries is a Memorial Tree in a protected forest. To learn more about, choosing a tree instead of a tombstone, schedule a call with one of our Guides.