What to look for when choosing a green burial provider

Green burial — also called natural burial — returns the body to the earth without embalming chemicals, metal caskets, or concrete burial vaults. It is chosen by families who value environmental stewardship or a simpler, more natural approach to disposition. Understanding what to look for helps you find a provider aligned with both your values and practical needs.

What a green burial provider does

A green burial provider facilitates natural disposition of the body in a manner that minimizes environmental impact. This may include transportation of the deceased in a simple container, preparation of the body without embalming (refrigeration is used instead), interment in a biodegradable shroud or casket in certified natural burial ground, and filing of required permits. Some providers offer conservation burial, where the burial site is part of a protected natural preserve. Others operate as hybrid cemeteries that offer both green and conventional sections.

Key questions to ask

• Are you certified or affiliated with the Green Burial Council? The Green Burial Council (GBC) is the primary third-party certifying organization in North America. Ask whether the cemetery or funeral provider holds GBC certification and at what level — Approved, Certified, or Conservation Burial Ground.
• What container options do you allow? Green burial requires a biodegradable container. Ask specifically what materials are accepted — wool shrouds, linen wraps, willow or wicker caskets, pine boxes, and cardboard containers are common options. Some sites have restrictions on materials.
• Do you use embalming? Green burial does not use formaldehyde-based embalming. Ask how the body is preserved between death and burial — refrigeration is standard. If embalming is offered or encouraged, ask why and whether it is required by any regulation (it rarely is for direct burial).
• What are the rules about grave markers? Many natural burial grounds prohibit concrete headstones and allow only flat stones, native plantings, or GPS coordinates to mark graves. Ask what is permitted so expectations are clear.
• Is the land permanently protected? For conservation burial grounds, ask whether the land is protected under a conservation easement or trust. Permanent protection means the land cannot be developed even if the cemetery changes ownership.
• How is site access handled for family visits? Natural burial grounds often have different access arrangements than conventional cemeteries — some are in rural areas with seasonal road conditions. Ask about year-round accessibility and any rules about what families may bring.
• What are the interment fees? Ask for a full itemized list covering the burial right, opening and closing fees, and any required preparation fees.

What to watch for

• "Green" claims without third-party verification. The term "green burial" is not regulated. Some providers use it loosely. GBC certification provides independent verification that standards are being met.
• Requirements for embalming or burial vaults. Neither is required for green burial, and both conflict with its principles. If a provider insists on either, they may not be operating a genuine natural burial program.
• Lack of information about land protection status. If the land is not protected, the long-term future of the burial site is uncertain. Ask specifically about conservation easements.
• No written price list. Green burial providers operating through a funeral home are subject to FTC Funeral Rule pricing disclosure requirements. All fees should be provided in writing before you commit.

Licensing and credentials

Green burial providers include both cemeteries and funeral homes, and each must hold the applicable state licenses for their operations. The Green Burial Council is the primary voluntary certification body; GBC certification levels range from Hybrid Burial Ground (allows some conventional burials) to Conservation Burial Ground (full ecological preservation commitment). Certification is voluntary but meaningful — you can verify a provider's GBC status at the Green Burial Council's website. Funeral homes involved in natural burial must hold standard state funeral home and funeral director licenses.

Typical cost range

Green burial costs vary widely depending on location and the type of burial ground. Simple natural burial in a hybrid cemetery typically costs between $1,500 and $5,000 total, including the burial right, opening and closing fees, and transportation. Conservation burial grounds in protected land may cost $3,000–$8,000. These figures do not include any preparatory services from a funeral home, which are billed separately. For more background on green burial practices, see our guide to green burial.

Taking the time to find the right provider ensures the burial honors both the person who has died and the values they held.

Frequently asked questions

Is green burial legal everywhere in the United States?

Natural burial without embalming is legal in all 50 states. However, requirements around burial containers, depth, and location vary by state and county. The Green Burial Council maintains state-specific guidance. The main limitation is access to certified natural burial grounds — they are more available in some regions than others.

Does the body decompose differently without embalming?

Yes. Without chemical preservation, the body begins a natural decomposition process that returns nutrients to the soil over time — typically months to a few years depending on soil conditions. Refrigeration before burial slows this process and is used in lieu of embalming for most green burials.

Can I hold a funeral service before a green burial?

Yes. A gathering, memorial service, or funeral ceremony is entirely compatible with green burial. Many families hold a service at a funeral home, place of worship, or family property before the interment at the natural burial ground. Ask your funeral home and the burial ground about their coordination process.

Related resources

• A guide to green burial: what families should know
• What to look for when choosing a cemetery
• Understanding aquamation: what families should know

Disclaimer — For informational purposes only

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