What Is Green Burial in California? Meaning, Process & Benefits

Green burial in California returns people to the earth in a natural way. This practice skips embalming chemicals, metal caskets and concrete vaults. It mirrors how humans were laid to rest for thousands of years.

Many Californians now choose natural burial to help the environment. Traditional funerals put 4.3 million gallons of embalming fluid into the ground each year. They also use 1.6 million tons of concrete. Green burial stops this harm.

After offers cremation services but does not provide burial. Families can combine cremation with green cemetery burial. This guide shows you the natural burial options in California.

Are you thinking about end-of-life plans? Want to explore eco-friendly options? The team at After can guide you with care and zero pressure. Call us anytime at 1-844-760-0427.

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What Makes a Burial Green?

A green burial is 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.

A burial is considered green when it removes all harm to the environment. The deceased is not treated with toxic chemicals. The burial box uses only natural materials like wood or wicker. No concrete vault is used.

Green burial sites protect the land. Some skip traditional headstones. They use rocks or plants as markers instead. This helps keep the area natural.

The main details are:

• No embalming with chemicals
• Containers that break down naturally
• No concrete vaults
• Natural grave markers or none at all
• Land protection

Why People Choose Green Burial

Two main reasons drive people to choose natural burial. First, they want to help the environment. Green burial reduces carbon pollution. It stops toxins from getting into soil and water.

Traditional funerals and cremation both harm the earth. Cremation puts out about 6.8 million metric tons of CO2 per year worldwide. Traditional burial uses wood, steel and concrete that never break down.

Second, cost matters. Green burial cuts out expensive items. No fancy casket, vault, or headstone is needed. Families spend less while staying true to their values.

Some people find meaning in returning to the earth naturally. The practice connects them to old traditions. It completes the life cycle without modern methods.

Green Burial Costs in California

Natural burial costs less than traditional burial. You skip the fancy casket, embalming, vault and headstone.

Green burial plots range from $1,250 to over $16,000. Opening and closing fees add $750 to $2,500. Some cemeteries charge endowment fees for land maintenance. These run $180 to $400.

Here's what specific California cemeteries charge:

• Budget-friendly options start under $2,000 for the plot alone. 
  
  Davis Cemetery District in Davis charges $2,000 for a green burial plot. Opening and closing costs $1,450. There’s also a $500 endowment charge.
  
  ‍The Meadow at Westwood Hills Memorial Park in Placerville offers plots for $1,500 with $750 for opening and closing.
  

• Mid-range cemeteries fall between $3,500 and $6,000, with total costs reaching over $10,000. 
  
  Joshua Tree Memorial Park near Joshua Tree National Park charges $3,667 for plots, $1,200 to open and close and $180 for endowment.
  
  ‍Sunset Lawn in Sacramento runs $4,830, including the basic staff services and necessary authorizations.
  

• Premium natural burial grounds cost more but offer unique settings. 
  
  Fernwood Cemetery in Mill Valley sits on 32 acres next to Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Plots range from $5,000 to over $25,000. Opening and closing runs $1,500 to $2,500. 
  
  ‍Woodlawn Cemetery in Santa Monica charges $16,875 for an adult single-interment plot, including property and endowment care.
  

• Jewish and specialized cemeteries also offer green sections. 
  
  Hillside Memorial Park in Los Angeles provides natural burial options within their Jewish cemetery grounds.
  
  Purissima Cemetery in San Mateo County recently became a natural burial ground after years as a historic cemetery.

Natural containers cost much less than regular caskets. A green burial shroud, carrier, or casket costs $850 to over $2,600, while traditional burial caskets range from $1,300 to over $4,000.

Some families build their own burial boxes from old wood. This saves money and adds personal meaning.

Finding Green Burial Cemeteries in California

California has several green burial options. Some regular cemeteries set aside sections for natural burial. Others use only green practices.

The Green Burial Council puts cemeteries into three groups: Hybrid cemeteries have green sections within regular grounds. Natural burial grounds use only green methods. Conservation burial grounds protect large areas of land.

California has no conservation burial grounds yet. Most are hybrid or natural. 

Here are some options:

• Fernwood Cemetery in Mill Valley has 32 acres with natural burial
• Joshua Tree Memorial Park digs graves by hand near Joshua Tree National Park
• The Meadow at Westwood Hills Memorial Park in Placerville takes full burial and cremated remains
• Davis Cemetery District has green burial with special vault lids
• San Luis Cemetery in San Luis Obispo needs natural shrouds or certain caskets

Contact each cemetery about their rules. Some need permanent markers. Others let graves blend into the land.

Legal Requirements for Green Burial in California

California law doesn’t require a funeral director. You can keep someone at home or arrange transport yourself. But you must get the right permits and papers.

You must file for the death certificate within eight days. The cost varies by county. You also need a Permit for Disposition. This lets you move the deceased to the cemetery. The permit costs $10.

The cemetery needs this permit before burial. Without it, burial cannot happen legally.

California only allows burial in established cemeteries. City residents cannot use private land. Rural property owners can apply to make their land a home burial cemetery. This takes time. Plan ahead if you want this option.

Working with Green Funeral Providers

More funeral homes now offer green burial services. Some natural burial sites have funeral directors on staff. These providers handle moving the person, permits and planning.

You can also hire a death doula or death midwife. These people guide families through home funerals and natural death care. Groups like Final Passages in California help with education and support.

If you use a funeral home or transport service, you will pay for it. Compare prices and ask about the green burial experience. Not all providers know the requirements.

Cremation as a Green Alternative

Cremation gets rid of embalming, caskets and vaults. This makes it greener than traditional burial. But cremation still creates carbon pollution and uses energy.

Many green cemeteries accept cremated remains. Families can bury or scatter remains in natural burial grounds. This mixes the ease of cremation with green cemetery benefits.

Water cremation offers an even greener choice. This uses water and heat instead of flame. It makes 90% less carbon pollution than regular cremation. Twenty-eight states, including California, now allow this. Costs range from $2,000 to $3,500.

After provides direct cremation throughout California. We don't offer burial services. But families can bury cremated remains at green burial sites. Check cremation pricing based on your location on our website.

Human Composting in California

Human composting became legal in California in 2022 and goes into effect in 2027. This turns the body into rich soil over 30 to 60 days. The soil can help gardens or conservation land. Human composting has even less impact on the earth than green burial.

It happens in a controlled facility. It uses less land than burial and creates no pollution, unlike cremation.

This option appeals to people who want to become part of the earth's cycle in the most direct way. Families get the soil to use as they choose.

What to Do When Green Burial Isn't Available

Not every California town has a green burial nearby. You can still make a regular burial more earth-friendly. Skip embalming. California law never requires it for funerals.

Choose a simple wood casket or cardboard box instead of metal. Ask the cemetery to skip the vault or use one turned upside down.

Some cemeteries push back on these requests. Stand firm. You can also ask for a religious exemption from the vault. This may cost extra for maintenance. 

If saving land matters deeply to you, think about burial in another state. This lets your final act protect natural habitat forever.

Contact local cemeteries, land groups and city councils. Tell them you want green burial options. When people ask for it, it becomes more available. Your inquiry helps build support for future green burial grounds.

Financing Green Burial

Green burial costs less than traditional services but still requires several thousand dollars. Payment options help families manage the cost. Funeral loans from banks and credit unions cover burial costs.

Compare rates and terms before choosing a lender. Some lenders focus on end-of-life expenses.

Crowdfunding sites let friends and family chip in toward burial costs. Create a campaign that explains your choice and shares the plans. Religious and community groups sometimes offer help during hard times. Reach out to local groups about support programs.

For cremation services, LilyPay provides payment plans over 3 or 6 months for a flat fee. LilyPay also has crowdfunding through Community Gardens to help cover costs.

Green burial in California offers a way to return to the earth that helps the environment. Whether you choose natural burial, cremation or another option, planning ahead gives you control.

While After doesn't provide burial services, we support families with clear, affordable cremation. If you're looking at your options or planning for the future, we're here to help.

Have questions about cremation planning or costs? The team at After can guide you with care and zero pressure. Call us anytime at 1-844-760-0427 or look at prepaid plans.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is green burial legal in California?

Yes, green burial is legal in California. You can choose natural burial at certified green cemeteries or special sections of regular cemeteries. Rural property owners can also apply to create burial grounds on their own land.

How much does a green burial cost in California?

The cost of a green burial in California ranges from $1,250 to over $16,000. There are also opening and closing fees, ranging from $750 to $2,500.

Can I be buried on my own property in California?

No, you cannot be buried on private property in most California areas. The state requires burial in established cemeteries. Rural landowners can apply to make their property a home burial cemetery, but the process takes time.

What containers work for green burial?

Green burial accepts any container that breaks down naturally. Options include willow baskets, bamboo caskets, simple wood boxes without metal, cardboard boxes and natural fiber wraps. Check with your cemetery about their rules.

Is cremation considered green?

Cremation is greener than traditional burial, but not fully green. It gets rid of chemicals and concrete but creates carbon pollution. Water cremation offers a cleaner choice with 90% less pollution and is now legal in California.

Do I need a funeral director for a green burial?

No, you don't need a funeral director for a green burial in California. You can handle it yourself if you get the death certificate and burial permit. Many families still hire funeral homes or death doulas for help.