Green burial: the fast facts

An eco-focused approach growing fast alongside conventional burial and cremation. Quick version: what it means, what it costs.

What makes it "green"

No chemical embalming. Biodegradable container — shroud, untreated wood, wicker, bamboo. No concrete vault. Burial happens in a natural or conservation ground set aside for this purpose.

Why it's usually cheaper

Eliminates costs rather than discounting them — no embalming chemicals, cheaper simple container, no vault fee. Not always cheaper though: natural grounds set their own plot prices, and premium natural-material caskets aren't cheap either.

Availability varies

Not every cemetery offers it, and "green" isn't defined uniformly. Some grounds carry independent certification, others use the term loosely. Ask exactly what's included before assuming.

Cremation vs. green burial

Separate paths — cremation uses its own energy, isn't automatically "greener." Some combine both: cremation, then a biodegradable urn for natural burial of remains. No single right answer.