Green burial lets families honor loved ones without harming the environment. This natural process skips embalming chemicals and concrete vaults. Your loved one returns to the earth naturally.

Most families struggle to find certified green cemeteries nearby, and costs often exceed expectations. That's why we're here to help you understand your options and find the right path for your family.

Are you trying to decide between a green burial or cremation? The team at After are here to answer your questions with transparency, care, and zero pressure. You can call us 24/7 at 1-844-760-0427.

In this article, we'll cover:

• What green burial really means (and what it doesn't)
• What it costs, and where it's legal
• When cremation could be the more flexible, eco-friendly choice

What Is a Green Burial?

Green burial is an environmentally conscious method of laying the deceased to rest. This approach minimizes ecological impact and supports natural decomposition. 

The Green Burial Council defines it as "a way of caring for the dead with minimal environmental impact that aids in the conservation of natural resources, reduction of carbon emissions, protection of worker health, and the restoration and/or preservation of habitat."

Green burial isn't actually new. Before the mid-19th century, most burials were naturally "green." Many Jewish and Muslim burial traditions still follow these principles today.

What Does a Green Burial Typically Involve?

A green burial, or a natural burial, strips away the industrial elements that have defined modern funerals for over a century. Your loved one is laid to rest in a way that nourishes the earth.

Here’s what it involves: 

• No embalming or toxic chemicals: The body is not embalmed, or only non-toxic, biodegradable fluids are used. This protects both the environment and worker health.
  
  
• Biodegradable materials only: Burial containers like caskets, shrouds, or urns are made from plant-derived, natural, or recycled materials. These break down harmlessly in the soil.
  
  
• No concrete vaults: Traditional burial vaults or grave liners are avoided. This reduces environmental disruption significantly.
  
  
• Natural burial grounds: The burial takes place in cemeteries or designated areas managed to protect biodiversity. These sites often have minimal landscaping or markers.
  
  
• Simple memorialization: Instead of traditional headstones, graves may be marked with natural stones, native plants, or GPS coordinates.

Minimal Environmental Disruption

Green burials conserve massive amounts of resources. Traditional burials in the U.S. use over 1.6 million tons of reinforced concrete each year. They also consume large amounts of imported steel and hardwoods.

Embalming fluids create lasting environmental damage. Formaldehyde and other toxic chemicals seep into soil and groundwater, contaminating ecosystems for years. Green burials eliminate this pollution entirely by skipping the embalming process.

Many green cemeteries transform into thriving wildlife preserves. The land supports local flora and fauna while remaining ecologically productive. Traditional cemeteries, by contrast, create sterile landscapes that offer little to nature.

The carbon footprint difference is substantial. Green burials avoid the emissions from manufacturing and transporting heavy caskets and concrete vaults. They also skip the significant energy use required for cremation, making them one of the most climate-friendly options available.

Recognized by the Green Burial Council

The Green Burial Council (GBC) is the leading independent authority for certifying green burial practices in North America. Their certification ensures rigorous standards for sustainability.

GBC-certified locations must meet strict criteria. This includes using only biodegradable, non-toxic materials and land management practices that promote ecological health.

Three types of burial grounds exist. The GBC recognizes hybrid, natural, and conservation burial grounds. Each offers increasing levels of environmental protection:

1. Hybrid burial grounds allow green burials alongside traditional ones. These cemeteries dedicate specific sections to natural burial while maintaining conventional areas elsewhere. They're often the most accessible option for families new to green burial.
   
   
2. Natural burial grounds are entirely dedicated to green practices. Every burial follows eco-friendly standards, and the entire cemetery is managed as a natural habitat. These sites often feature native landscaping and minimal infrastructure.
   
   
3. Conservation burial grounds represent the highest level of environmental stewardship. These sites are permanently protected as nature preserves, with burial fees helping fund long-term conservation efforts. Your loved one's final resting place becomes part of a lasting ecological legacy.

Certification prevents greenwashing. Families can trust they're receiving truly eco-friendly options, not marketing gimmicks.

Workers stay safer too. Embalmers have higher risks of diseases like leukemia and ALS due to toxic chemical exposure. Green burial eliminates these workplace hazards.

Green Burial vs. Traditional Burial

The differences between green funerals and traditional burials go far beyond just the environmental impact. Here's how they compare across key elements:

The choice often comes down to values and availability. Traditional burial offers familiar rituals and established infrastructure. Green burial provides environmental benefits but requires finding certified locations and may limit some ceremonial options.

How Much Does a Green Burial Cost?

Green burials typically cost between $2,300 and $12,000, with most families spending $3,500 to $4,500. This makes them less expensive than traditional funerals but more costly than direct cremation. The final price depends heavily on your location and the level of service you choose.

Burial Plot in Certified Green Cemetery

California has the most price variations across regions:

• San Francisco Bay Area: $4,400 (Pleasant Hills Memorial Park) to $10,100 (Fernwood Cemetery's 32-acre wildlife habitat)
• Santa Monica: $18,358 (Woodlawn Cemetery's Eternal Meadow section)
• Napa Valley: $5,205 (Tulocay Cemetery's 2-acre Cayetano Natural Burial Ground)
• San Luis Obispo: Lower costs at hybrid cemetery locations

Other regions offer more affordable options:

• South Carolina: Ramsey Creek Preserve charges $2,500 per plot with perpetual care included
• Washington: White Eagle Memorial Preserve provides 1,138 acres of wilderness burial sections for $3,250

Location drives the biggest cost differences for eco-friendly funerals. Urban areas charge premium prices due to land scarcity and high demand. Rural green cemeteries can save families thousands of dollars while delivering the same environmental benefits.

Biodegradable Casket or Shroud

Biodegradable caskets cost $200 to $2,500, with most options falling between $1,000 and $1,500. Popular materials include willow, seagrass, and simple pine construction.

Shrouds offer a more affordable option, often costing under $500. Some families choose to make their own shrouds to reduce costs further. Traditional caskets cost significantly more. They can cost $2,500 to $3,000 or higher for metal or hardwood options.

Grave Preparation and Cemetery Fees

Grave opening and closing fees range from $500 to $1,500, depending on cemetery policies and local labor costs. This covers the actual digging and filling of the grave.

Cemetery administrative fees add another $500 to $3,000 to your total cost. These may include perpetual care, record-keeping, and other operational expenses.

Natural markers or GPS coordinates may incur additional charges if you choose these alternatives to traditional headstones.

Transportation and Funeral Home Charges

Body transportation typically costs $200 to $500 for local transfer of remains. This covers moving your loved one from the place of death to the funeral home and cemetery.

Funeral home professional services range from $1,850 to $3,500. This includes preparation, paperwork, coordination, and basic staff services for immediate burial.

Optional services like graveside ceremonies or short visitations can add $295 to $700 to your total cost.

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Cost Comparison

Green burials save money by eliminating expensive elements like embalming, concrete vaults, and elaborate caskets. However, they're still more expensive than direct cremation, which remains the most affordable option.

Location significantly impacts your final cost. Rural or community-run green cemeteries offer much more affordable options than urban conservation sites. Some families reduce costs further by handling certain aspects themselves, such as creating homemade shrouds or arranging home funerals.

Where Is Green Burial Legal?

Green burial is legal in every U.S. state, but availability and regulations vary widely. Most states allow natural burial as long as families obtain proper burial permits and death certificates. Some states add requirements for burial depth, proximity to water sources, or embalming in specific circumstances.

Home burials face more restrictions. Some states prohibit home burials entirely, and you need to check with the local environmental department to get the latest requirements. Local ordinances may impose additional restrictions in other states.

Limited Availability of Green Cemeteries

Access to certified green burial cemeteries remains limited nationwide. Many green burial cemeteries now operate in the U.S. These include:

• Natural burial grounds dedicated entirely to green burials
• Hybrid cemeteries with designated green burial sections
• Conservation burial grounds managed for ecological restoration

Many states offer only a handful of green cemetery sites. Some rural areas have no certified options at all, forcing families to travel significant distances or choose alternative arrangements.

States with Notable Access

These states provide the best access to green burial options:

• California: Dozens of hybrid and natural burial grounds, including Fernwood Cemetery and Morgan Oaks Eternal Preserve
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• Florida: Multiple conservation sites like Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery and Heartwood Preserve
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• New York: Several options, including Greensprings Natural Cemetery Preserve
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• Texas: A Growing number of hybrid cemeteries and natural burial sites
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• Colorado: Conservation grounds like Crestone Green Cemetery, plus VA pilot programs
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• Oregon and Washington: Multiple green burial grounds with progressive regulations
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• Utah: High number of sustainable burial services and legal access

Veterans now have green burial options at three national cemeteries: National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, Florida National Cemetery, and Pikes Peak National Cemetery in Colorado.

You can find certified providers through the Green Burial Council's directory, which lists approved cemeteries, funeral homes, and products across the U.S.

Because legal access isn't available everywhere, many families look to cremation as a more practical and accessible, and eco-friendly alternative.

Can Cremation Be a Green Option?

Direct cremation is a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional burial. This option works well when green burial sites aren't available in your area. Cremation does produce carbon emissions, but it uses significantly fewer resources than conventional burial practices.

Direct Cremation Uses Fewer Resources Than Traditional Burial

Direct cremation eliminates resource-intensive burial elements. You skip the concrete vault. Traditional burial uses 1.6 million tons of reinforced concrete annually across the U.S. You also avoid imported hardwoods, metals, and synthetic materials found in conventional caskets.

Cremation requires minimal infrastructure. Cemeteries need ongoing maintenance, landscaping, and perpetual care. Cremation facilities have a smaller long-term environmental footprint.

No Embalming or Casket Required

Direct cremation skips embalming entirely. This eliminates formaldehyde and other toxic chemicals that contaminate soil and groundwater. The process protects both the environment and funeral home workers from harmful chemical exposure.

Many funeral homes embalm before cremation, but this isn’t always necessary. This practice adds cost and environmental harm without benefit. Direct cremation providers like After bring your loved one into climate-controlled care without embalming. They then proceed directly to cremation.

Cremation requires no elaborate casket. A simple combustible container replaces expensive metal or hardwood caskets. This saves both money and natural resources.

Lower Cost, Less Land Use

Direct cremation costs significantly less than a green burial. Green burial ranges from $2,300 to $12,000, as mentioned above. However, direct cremation typically costs up to $2,000+. This makes it the most affordable option for environmentally conscious families.

With cremation, land use drops to nearly zero. Traditional burial requires permanent land dedication. Cremation allows families to scatter ashes in meaningful locations. They can also keep remains in biodegradable urns that take minimal space.

Optional Carbon Offsetting or Urn Alternatives

Carbon offsetting programs neutralize cremation emissions. Families fund tree planting, renewable energy projects, or other environmental initiatives. Some cremation providers offer these programs directly.

Biodegradable urns provide eco-friendly alternatives. Traditional metal or ceramic containers harm the environment. More environmentally-friendly options include:

• Water-soluble urns dissolve completely when scattered in water
• Plantable urns grow into trees or flowers
• Salt or sand urns break down naturally over time
• Paper or bamboo urns work for temporary use before scattering

Scattering ceremonies eliminate permanent markers. Families skip ongoing cemetery maintenance. This reduces long-term environmental impact.

Why After Is a Smart Choice for Eco-Conscious Families

After addresses practical challenges families face when pursuing eco-friendly end-of-life options. Green burial offers environmental benefits but limited availability and high costs make it inaccessible for many.

After provides an alternative that balances environmental consciousness with affordability and accessibility.

$995 Base Package: Simple, Direct Cremation

After charges $995 for the base cremation package. This transparent pricing eliminates confusion and hidden fees common in the funeral industry. You know exactly what you're paying upfront.

The package covers all essential services. Transportation, cremation, basic paperwork, and coordination with local authorities are included. We add no surprise charges later in the process.

Most families receive the urn within two weeks. This includes transportation, paperwork, cremation, and delivery. Your Care Specialist keeps you updated throughout each step of the process.

Learn more about other options to plan ahead here.

Climate-Controlled Care, No Embalming

After brings your loved one into climate-controlled care without embalming. This approach eliminates toxic chemicals that contaminate soil and groundwater in traditional burial. Your loved one receives dignified treatment while avoiding environmental harm.

Climate-controlled facilities maintain proper conditions without formaldehyde, methanol, and other harmful chemicals. This protects both the environment and workers who handle these substances daily.

After works only with licensed crematories and trained professionals. We follow strict identification protocols and handle your loved one with dignity throughout the process.

Scattering Urn Included

Every After package includes a simple scattering urn. This works for families who plan to scatter ashes or transfer them to another container. After eliminates pressure to purchase expensive urns that many funeral homes push.

Families choose their own memorial approach without costly add-ons. You scatter in meaningful locations, plant trees, or select biodegradable urns from other sources. Additional urn options are available at shop.after.com for families who prefer different styles.

Support for Memorials, Celebrations, and Scattering Ceremonies

After supports various memorial options without requiring expensive funeral home services. Families organize celebrations of life, scattering ceremonies, or other meaningful gatherings on their own terms.

The team provides guidance on legal requirements for scattering in different locations. They help coordinate timing for family gatherings. This support comes without the high costs typically associated with funeral home event planning.

International travel with cremated remains requires some preparation. Most airlines and customs require a death certificate, cremation certificate, and receipt of services. After provides these documents and can advise on requirements.

Transparent Pricing, Online Planning, and No Upsells

Our online planning system allows families to complete arrangements from home during difficult times. The digital approach reduces pressure often felt during in-person funeral home visits.

Pricing remains transparent throughout the process. No hidden fees appear. Staff don't pressure families to purchase unnecessary services or products. You pay what's quoted upfront.

The no-upsell approach means families can focus on grieving and celebrating their loved one's life. You avoid navigating sales pitches during vulnerable moments.

We serve families in Arizona, Colorado, California, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington. Our plan is to expand to additional states soon. This will address the geographic limitations that make green burial inaccessible for many families.

Some people complete cremation planning well in advance as part of their end-of-life preparations. Many of our clients have found it helpful to start cremation planning anytime after their loved one goes into hospice care. 

A Greener Goodbye, On Your Terms

Environmental consciousness doesn't mean compromising on honoring your loved one. You can choose green burial, direct cremation, or another eco-friendly option. The most important thing is making arrangements that reflect your values and circumstances.

Green burial offers the most environmentally friendly option when available in your area. Direct cremation provides a practical alternative. It uses fewer resources than traditional burial. It remains accessible and affordable nationwide.

Your location, budget, and personal preferences determine the best choice. Both options eliminate environmental harm from embalming chemicals. They reduce resource consumption compared to conventional burial practices.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a burial "green"?

A green burial eliminates embalming chemicals, uses biodegradable caskets or shrouds, and skips concrete vaults. The body returns to earth naturally. No synthetic materials or toxic substances contaminate soil and groundwater.

Are green burials legal in all 50 states?

Green burials are legal in all 50 states. Availability varies significantly across regions. Most states allow natural burial when families obtain proper permits and death certificates. Certified green cemeteries exist in limited numbers. Some rural areas have no options at all.

Is cremation considered environmentally friendly?

Cremation is more environmentally friendly than traditional burial. It eliminates embalming chemicals, concrete vaults, and resource-intensive caskets. Direct cremation uses significantly fewer natural resources. It requires no permanent land dedication. The process does produce carbon emissions.

What's more affordable: Green burial or cremation?

Cremation costs significantly less than a green burial. Direct cremation typically costs $1,000 to $2,000. Green burial ranges from $2,300 to $12,000. Green burial saves money compared to traditional burial. It remains more expensive than cremation.

Cremation costs will always vary depending on where you are.

Can I plan an eco-friendly funeral in advance?

You can plan eco-friendly arrangements in advance through pre-planning services. You can research options ahead of time. Many cremation providers offer pre-planning that locks in current pricing. You can research green burial sites in your area before the need arises.

Do green cemeteries look different from traditional ones?

Green cemeteries look more natural than traditional ones. They use native plants and minimize landscaping. They avoid uniform rows of headstones. Many feature wildflower meadows, natural stone markers, or GPS coordinates instead of traditional monuments.

Can you have a memorial service with a green burial?

You can hold memorial services with a green burial. Options may be more limited than traditional funeral homes. Many families organize celebrations of life, graveside services, or scattering ceremonies. These honor their loved one without expensive funeral home packages.

What's the carbon footprint of cremation vs burial?

Cremation produces direct carbon emissions from the combustion process. Traditional burial creates emissions from manufacturing concrete vaults, metal caskets, and ongoing cemetery maintenance. Green burial has the lowest carbon footprint overall. Cremation uses fewer resources than conventional burial.

How do I find a green cemetery near me?

You find green cemeteries through the Green Burial Council's directory at greenburialcouncil.org. This resource lists certified cemeteries, funeral homes, and products across the U.S. Many states have limited options. You may need to travel to access a green burial site.

What's the most eco-friendly option overall?

Green burial is the most eco-friendly option when available. Direct cremation follows as the second-best choice. Both eliminate embalming chemicals and reduce resource consumption compared to traditional burial. The best choice depends on your location, budget, and access to certified green burial sites.