A green burial, also known as a natural burial, is an eco-friendly and environmentally conscious approach to the end-of-life process. The main idea behind green burial is to minimize the environmental impact associated with traditional burial practices, which often involve embalming fluids, metal caskets, and concrete vaults.

No Embalming: Traditional embalming involves the use of chemicals to preserve the body. In green burials, embalming is typically avoided or, if used, environmentally friendly alternatives are chosen.

Biodegradable Containers: Instead of metal or non-biodegradable caskets, green burials often involve the use of biodegradable containers, such as wooden caskets, wicker baskets, or simple shrouds.

Natural Landscapes: Green burial sites are often set in natural landscapes, such as forests or meadows. This avoids the use of manicured lawns associated with conventional cemeteries.

No Concrete Vaults: In traditional burials, a concrete vault is often used to encase the casket. Green burials avoid the use of such vaults to allow for a more natural decomposition process.

Native Plants: Instead of traditional headstones, green burials may use native plants, trees, or natural markers to identify gravesites. This contributes to the preservation and restoration of local ecosystems.

Sustainable Practices: Green burial practices aim to reduce the overall ecological footprint by incorporating sustainable materials and minimizing resource consumption.

Green burial options may vary, and regulations can differ depending on the location. Some cemeteries are specifically designated as green burial grounds, while others may offer green burial sections within conventional cemeteries. The goal is to provide a more environmentally friendly and sustainable approach to the end-of-life process while promoting a connection between the deceased and the natural world. Green burial is legal in some capacity in all 50 states.