Final arrangements are no longer an afterthought. A growing number of people are being proactive about their funeral plans and considering the environmental impact of their choices, which has led to rising interest in natural burial. Unlike conventional methods, natural burial offers a range of options that are often more affordable, simple, and environmentally conscious.
According to the National Funeral Director’s Association 2024 Consumer Awareness and Preferences Report, 68% of respondents expressed interest in natural burial—up from 55.7% in 2021. This shift signals a broader cultural shift in how we approach end-of-life decisions.
People are prioritizing values like environmental stewardship and their connection to nature. As a result, natural burial has emerged as a meaningful and sustainable alternative to traditional practices, symbolizing a more thoughtful and values-driven approach to honoring loved ones.
Whether it’s about reducing your environmental footprint, connecting with nature, or creating a more meaningful goodbye, natural burial redefines how we rest. This guide explores what natural burial is, why it’s on the rise, and what it costs.
5 Reasons Why People Are Choosing Natural Burial
More and more people are opting for natural burials—and with good reason. Here are five reasons why more people are opting for natural burial:
1. Sustainability
Natural burials are designed to have minimal environmental impact. They avoid harmful embalming chemicals, reduce land disruption, and conserve natural resources. Unlike traditional burials, which emit around 250 pounds of carbon, natural burials can sequester approximately 25 pounds. This makes natural burial an excellent end-of-life choice for anyone prioritizing the health of our planet.
By forgoing embalming and choosing minimally invasive burial methods, natural burials honor both the land and the body of the deceased. The process supports the natural cycle of life, enriching the earth with nutrients rather than polluting it.
2. Conservation
Natural burial grounds forego embalming fluids, require biodegradable coffins, and conserve land which help protect and restore natural landscapes. Funds paid to natural burial plots are also reinvested into conserving forests, meadows, and other ecosystems.
“The purpose of conservation is to offer the greatest good to the greatest number of people for the longest time,” says the chief of the US Forest Service American Forester Gifford Pinchot. Every natural burial helps protect forest ecosystems where wildlife and plant habitats can thrive while giving families a place to honor their loved ones.
3. Return to Nature
Natural burial allows you to return to the earth. By allowing the body to naturally decompose, nutrients are recycled into the soil, fueling new life and a return to the natural cycle.
This practice embraces minimal intervention, often using biodegradable caskets or shrouds to support the process. It highlights that our bodies belong to nature and when they return to the earth they can help continue the cycle of life.
4. Reflect Your Values
Many people spend their life caring for the world around them whether through recreational gardening or more involved philanthropic efforts. With natural burial, these values can guide one’s final resting place.
For those dedicated to enjoying the outdoors and caring for the planet, it’s only fitting to choose a final resting place in nature. A natural burial provides a meaningful resting place while reflecting values of care, sustainability, and simplicity.
5. Participation
Natural burials provide families with an opportunity to play a more active role in the end-of-life process. Instead of immediately handing over the process when a loved one passes, families are encouraged to be directly involved in creating heartfelt, intimate goodbyes. This hands-on approach allows families to honor their loved ones in a way that aligns with their values and wishes, bringing a sense of comfort and peace during a difficult time.
Additionally, natural burial sites offer ongoing opportunities for connection with loved ones to celebrate memories while enjoying the beauty of nature.
The Issues with Traditional Burial
For decades, traditional burial practices have shaped how families navigate the loss of a loved one. These practices often rely on costly services and leave families with an expensive and resource-intensive end-of-life system that can feel detached from personal connection.
On top of that, environmental concerns have become increasingly significant. Traditional burials center around embalming, metal caskets, and heavy concrete vaults. And while this offers familiarity, it also has its issues. Embalming fluids, non-biodegradable materials, and excessive land usage take a toll on the planet, leaving many questioning if there’s a better way.
As more people recognize these challenges, the demand for environmentally sustainable and emotionally resonant end-of-life choices has fueled interest in natural burials.
Who’s Choosing Natural Burial
Natural burial isn’t limited to a specific type of person. Its appeal lies in the simplicity, sustainability, and personalized experience it offers.
This choice typically resonates with:
- Individuals who prioritize eco-friendly practices
- Those seeking a closer connection to nature
- Families desiring more active roles in honoring their loved ones’ lives
Natural burial embraces people from all walks of life. Whether you’re a conservationist, an avid gardener, or someone who cherishes the outdoors, this option reflects a shared respect for the environment.
Environmentally-Conscious Burial Options
There are many ways to choose a more sustainable end-of-life option than what’s offered with traditional burial. Among the non-traditional approaches gaining popularity are natural burial, human composting, water cremation, and fire cremation. Each method offers unique environmental benefits, but natural burial stands out as the most sustainable choice.
Here’s a quick comparison of the environmental benefits and costs associated with these non-traditional methods:
Comparison of Non-Traditional Disposition Methods
| Method | Net Carbon Footprint | Fuel Expenditure | Amount of left-over product for disposal | Enviro Benefits (➕) & Costs (–) |
| Natural Burial | Sequesters 25lbs CO2 per burial,10 tons per acre | Transportation to cemetery | None | ➕ Land protection ➕ Nutrient contribution to soil |
| Human Composting | Unknown | ・Producing and transporting natural materials to the facility ・Construction and maintenance of facility and units ・Transporting finished material | 1+ cubic yard of leftover material 10-15 pounds of pulverized bone | ➕ Restoration of depleted soil – Material acquisition – Facility maintenance |
| Water Cremation | 150-200lbs CO2 emissions per person | ・Electricity or propane to heat 100 gal of water under pressure for 3-12 hrs ・Processing and transport of potassium hydroxide | 100-300 gallons of effluent10-156 lbs of pulverized bone | – Potential algae bloom from runoff – Disposal of effluent |
| Fire Cremation | 250-536lbs CO2 emissions per person | Up to 500 gallons of field, usually natural gas to burn at 2000℉ for 3-4 hours | 7-10 lbs of pulverized bone | – Potential algae bloom from runoff – Mercury poisoning of air and water |
Source: Green Burial Council
Challenges of Natural Burial
The key challenge to natural burial is the need for pre-planning coupled with many people’s reluctance to discuss end-of-life plans. Since the body is not embalmed, the burial process needs to happen quickly, adding a layer of urgency. This paired with the small amount of natural burial sites can be tricky because natural burial sites are not yet abundent, making accessibility for many a roadblock. Arranging for transportation of the body is possible, but having early discussions and a clear plan in place helps reduce the stress of last-minute decisions, ensuring a smoother process for loved ones.
Planning for the Future
Natural burial is changing how we approach end-of-life traditions. Could natural burial sites be the cemeteries of the future? It’s entirely possible as more people rethink tradition and acknowledge environmental challenges. Natural burial represents an opportunity for positive change—enabling families to make impactful choices about their legacy.
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