What is Green Burial?

For a green burial, toxic embalming is not performed. Embalming is the process of chemically altering the body to delay decomposition, improve aesthetics, and to improve sanitation with the use of toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde: a known carcinogen- posing risks to worker health. 

Embalming is rarely required by law and is never legally necessary for viewing a body. Some funeral homes may have their own rules that require embalming for public visitation, but you always have the right to ask and explore other options.

Natural decomposition is a safe, essential part of life’s cycle. Our bodies already contain the bacteria needed to return to the Earth in a way that benefits the Earth. The human body is not inherently harmful, and embalming is not required to protect public health. 

While embalming has been used to help the body look more natural for viewing, there are other ways to care for the body with respect. Practices like washing, dressing, and keeping the body cooled are dignified methods of after-death care. These methods are also safer for those who handle the body and can invite family members to participate directly in the final stages of care. If families want to take part in this process, it can create meaningful moments of connection and support the natural grieving process. For those choosing the support of funeral professionals, find certified funeral providers by going to our Funeral Home page.

When embalming is required, we certify Body Care Products as safer, greener alternatives.

For a burial to be “green,” the containers chosen must support a return to the Earth with minimal environmental impact. In most cases, this means that a body is placed in a biodegradable container with no burial vault. Read more about vaults in our FAQ. 

The burial “container” describes what the body is covered by when it is placed in the ground. Often, this is a casket, a shroud, an urn, or a pouch made of 100% biodegradable materials. The GBC certifies products that are made of materials that are plant-derived, natural, from animal or unfired earthen materials. This includes the shell, liner, and adornments: the finishes, adhesives, and dyes on our certified products do not release toxic byproducts in the ground. If you do not see a GBC certified product that meets your needs, consider the full life-cycle of the product you do choose: the materials used, how it is made, where it is shipped from, and if it degrades naturally. Many also use locally-sourced products from artisans or family. To find a certified product go to the products page.

No two cemeteries are exactly the same - even the green cemeteries. Every cemetery has their own set of laws and regulations to follow, which can make it difficult to establish and choose a cemetery suitable for natural burial. However, the GBC strives to reduce the barriers by offering three different types of certification for cemeteries: hybrid, natural, and conservation. For all certified cemeteries, transparency with the public is a key requirement.  In addition, cemeteries are required to follow state laws and regulations, bury without vaults, use only products made of natural and biodegradable materials, and only allow unembalmed human remains or those embalmed with chemicals not considered “toxic” by our standards. We also require the establishment of sustainable management practices that minimize the use of herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers. 

At the GBC we certify three different types of cemeteries- Hybrid, Natural, and Conservation. 

Hybrid cemeteries are created within existing cemetery structures and have the fewest requirements. Natural cemeteries are slightly more strict: they abide by all of the rules of a hybrid cemetery, plus more. Conservation cemeteries are the hardest to establish because they are protected by both burial law and conservation law. Conservation cemeteries abide by the rules of hybrid and natural cemeteries, but also establish stronger conservation regulations. Here is a quick breakdown of the differences between each type of green cemetery:

Hybrid Cemetery

• in conventional cemetery
• no vaults
• biodegradable containers
• prohibits toxic chemicals, non-organic caskets, vaults, non-native markers
• Must establish funds for long-term maintenance

Natural Cemetery

• land designated for natural cemetery only
• Must conduct an Ecological Impact Assessment
• Restrict access to ecologically sensitive areas
• Burial practices can have no long-term degradation on the land
• Limit memorial markers based on ecological impact

Conservation Cemetery

• on easement or land trust
• Establish conservation, preservation, and restoration practices that are sensitive to the lands history
• land preservation with burial fees creating revenue stream to further conservation, restoration, recreation paths

Depending on the cemetery, GPS units, native stone markers, or mapping may be used to mark grave sites. Many, especially natural and conservation cemeteries, support land conservation efforts that safeguard biodiversity and encourage a philosophy of stewardship. A green cemetery can also be visually diverse, depending on the local geography, flora and fauna, and adopted management practices. Like we said, no two are alike: some may function alongside a conventional cemetery (Hybrid) and others may look like a place to hike (Natural and Conservation). 

To learn more about green burial head over to our Resources. To find a certified cemetery in your area go to our cemetery page.