Natural burials or green burials account for a tiny but growing share of all funerals in the United States. For those with a love of nature who are looking to save money and the environment—natural burials are a sustainable option. But, finding the right provider can be a crucial step. This guide will help you understand what natural burials are, explore your options, and find a provider near you.
What is a Natural Burial?
A natural burial, often referred to as a green burial, is an environmentally low-impact choice for final disposition. Instead of using traditional methods like embalming and concrete vaults, bodies are buried in shrouds or biodegradable caskets made of wood, bamboo, or cardboard. No embalming fluids, grave liners, or headstones are used. This approach aims to return the body to the earth with minimal environmental impact, maintaining the natural landscape.
Benefits of Natural Burial
The Green Burial Council estimates traditional burial emits approximately 250 lbs. of carbon, whereas natural burial sequesters approximately 25 lbs. of carbon while avoiding energy-intensive mowing, fertilizing and watering.
Natural Burial Options
Natural burials can take place in a variety of locations. Here are some common options:
Natural Burial Options: Hybrid Cemeteries
These are areas within conventional cemeteries where burial occurs without a concrete vault, chemical embalming, and with a biodegradable container.
Natural Burial Options: Natural Burial Cemeteries
These cemeteries are dedicated entirely to natural 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.
Natural Burial Options: Conservation Preserves
In a conservation cemetery, a land trust entity preserves land that is partly used for burial. This helps protect and restore wildlife habitats.
Natural 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.
Are Natural Burials Legal?
Natural burials are legal in most states, but regulations vary by location. While most all states require a burial permit and death certificate only a handful of states have regulations.
Best State for Natural Burial: Natural Burial California
Natural burial is legal and regulated in California. In fact, according to a 2023 study California is the best state for natural burial based on four factors: provider access, burial locations, financial advantage and demand.
Best States for Natural Burial
Source: Lawn Love
Natural Burial California: Access & Locations
While still limited, California offers the greatest provider access and most natural burial locations nationwide.
Natural Burial California: Demand
Natural burial in California ranks fifth among states in terms of volume of demand for natural burial. With the increased demand more providers will likely be offering this service in the future
Natural Burial California: Financial Advantage
Despite a low financial advantage for natural burials in California compared with other states, California still ranks as the overall best state for natural burials.
Natural Burial Near Me: Where to Begin
Finding a natural burial provider near you can be overwhelming, but starting with trusted organizations can make the process smoother. While Google is a common starting point, it’s important to note that results may be influenced by ads and algorithms rather than quality. Here are four alternative ways to find some reputable resources:
Natural Burial Near Me: Green Burial Council
In 2005 the Green Burial Council was founded to establish standards within the growing natural burial movement. This organization has developed natural burial standards and certification. The Green Burial Council recommends checking Lee Webster’s up-to-date list of certified providers. They also recommend state organizations that can assist you in planning a natural burial. Check their list here.
Natural Burial Near Me: Better Business Bureau
Checking (and cross-checking) with the Better Business Bureau can help you find trustworthy providers in your area, view the provider’s grade and confirm their reputation.
Natural Burial Near Me: A Greener Funeral
A Greener Funeral is a website dedicated to educating the public on greener funeral options. They offer a directory of providers who adhere to green burial practices.
Natural Burial Near Me: Better Place Forests
Though we can’t recommend specific natural burial locations, we partner with several reputable providers. You can search our partner directory to help guide your research.
Is Natural Burial Right for Me?
Natural burials offer a sustainable and meaningful way to honor a loved one while minimizing environmental impact. If you’re curious about additional sustainable end-of-life options that can leave a legacy for future generations by protecting land and allowing our bodies to return naturally to the earth, schedule a call with one of our Guides.
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