Montevista | Green Burial: Complete Guide to Natural & Eco-Friendly Options
Green Burial: Complete Guide to Natural & Eco-Friendly Options
Green burial returns the body to the earth naturally, without chemicals, metal caskets, or concrete vaults that slow decomposition. It’s the oldest burial method humans have practiced and the most environmentally responsible option available today. As people become more conscious of their environmental impact, green burial offers a meaningful way to honor both the deceased and the planet.
This guide explains what green burial is, how it differs from conventional burial, environmental benefits, costs, what to expect, where to find green burial options in California, and how to plan a natural burial.
In This Article: – What Is Green Burial? – How Green Burial Differs From Conventional Burial – Environmental Benefits – Types of Green Burial – Green Burial Costs – What Happens During Green Burial – Green Cemeteries in California – Planning a Green Burial – Religious and Cultural Perspectives – Key Takeaways
What Is Green Burial?
Green burial (also called natural burial) allows the body to decompose naturally and return to the earth without harmful environmental impact.
Core Principles
Green burial follows three core principles:
No toxic chemicals: No embalming with formaldehyde or other preservatives. Bodies are kept cool through refrigeration until burial.
Biodegradable materials only: Caskets made from untreated wood, bamboo, wicker, or cardboard—or shrouds made from cotton, linen, or wool. No metal, plastic, or synthetic materials.
No burial vaults: Bodies are placed directly in the earth without concrete vaults or grave liners, allowing natural decomposition and integration with soil.
Additional Green Practices
Beyond these core principles, green burial often includes: – Native plantings instead of lawn – Natural stone or tree markers instead of traditional headstones – Protecting habitat and preserving open space – Minimal groundskeeping without pesticides or irrigation – GPS location systems instead of rows of identical markers
Why Choose Green Burial?
People choose green burial for environmental reasons, cost savings, spiritual beliefs about returning to nature, cultural traditions, or simple preference for natural processes over industrial ones.
How Green Burial Differs From Conventional Burial
Understanding the differences helps you decide if green burial fits your values.
Conventional Burial
Traditional burial typically involves: – Embalming with formaldehyde and other chemicals – Metal or hardwood casket (often with synthetic interior) – Concrete or metal burial vault – Manicured lawn cemetery with irrigation and pesticides – Uniform granite or bronze markers – Perpetual maintenance by cemetery staff
Environmental impact includes: – Chemicals entering soil and groundwater – Non-biodegradable materials persisting indefinitely – Resource-intensive manufacturing of vaults and caskets – Water use and chemical applications for lawn maintenance – Carbon emissions from maintenance equipment
Green Burial
Natural burial involves: – No embalming (refrigeration for preservation) – Biodegradable casket or shroud – No vault—body placed directly in earth – Natural environment with native plants – Natural markers (stones, trees, GPS coordinates) – Minimal maintenance preserving natural habitat
Environmental benefits include: – No toxic chemicals – All materials biodegrade naturally – Minimal resource use – Habitat preservation and carbon sequestration – Low-impact maintenance
Environmental Benefits
Green burial significantly reduces environmental impact compared to conventional burial or cremation.
Eliminates Toxic Chemicals
Traditional embalming uses formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, plus other toxic preservatives. Each year, conventional burials in the U.S. place approximately 800,000 gallons of formaldehyde into the ground. Green burial eliminates this chemical load entirely.
Reduces Resource Consumption
Conventional burial uses enormous resources: – Hardwoods like mahogany or cherry for caskets – Steel and bronze for caskets and vaults – Concrete for burial vaults – Energy for manufacturing these materials
Green burial uses minimal materials—simple wood from sustainable sources, natural fibers for shrouds, or nothing but the earth itself.
Preserves Carbon Sequestration
Traditional lawn cemeteries require mowing, irrigation, and chemical applications that contribute to carbon emissions. Green burial grounds function as preserves where native plants and trees sequester carbon rather than releasing it.
Protects Habitat
Many green burial grounds preserve natural habitat, protecting ecosystems and wildlife. Some operate as conservation areas ensuring land remains undeveloped permanently.
Allows Natural Nutrient Cycling
Bodies returned to earth naturally contribute nutrients to soil, supporting plant growth. This natural cycle is disrupted by embalming chemicals and sealed vaults that prevent decomposition.
Comparison to Cremation
Cremation uses significant energy (equivalent to a 500-mile car trip) and releases carbon dioxide and mercury into the atmosphere. While cremation uses no land, it has immediate environmental impact through emissions.
Green burial has lower carbon footprint than cremation and no emissions, making it the most environmentally responsible option.
Types of Green Burial
Green burial exists on a spectrum from hybrid options to full conservation burial.
Hybrid Burial Grounds
Some conventional cemeteries offer “green sections” where you can choose green burial practices (no vault, no embalming, biodegradable casket) while still in a maintained cemetery with traditional sections.
Benefits: Easier to find, family members with traditional preferences can be buried nearby
Limitations: Not fully natural—still maintained as lawn, may require some chemicals, doesn’t preserve habitat
Natural Burial Grounds
Cemeteries designed specifically for green burial with natural landscaping, native plants, and no lawn maintenance. These grounds look like natural forests or meadows.
Benefits: Fully natural setting, no chemicals, habitat protection, natural markers
Limitations: Fewer available, may be far from urban areas
Conservation Burial Grounds
The most environmentally protective option—burial grounds that also serve as nature preserves with legal protections ensuring land remains undeveloped. Proceeds from burials fund habitat restoration and conservation.
Conservation burial grounds meet strict certification standards from the Green Burial Council including: – Permanent land protection – Ecological restoration – Prohibition of toxic chemicals and non-biodegradable materials – Natural markers only
Benefits: Maximum environmental protection, supports conservation, beautiful natural settings
Limitations: Very few exist (though growing), often require travel
Home Burial
California allows burial on private property with proper permits and meeting setback requirements (typically 150 feet from water sources). This requires owning sufficient land and navigating county regulations.
Benefits: Most intimate option, no cemetery costs
Limitations: Complicates future property sale, requires navigating regulations, may affect property values
Green Burial Costs
Green burial typically costs less than conventional burial.
Cost Breakdown
Green burial costs: $2,000-$5,000 typically
Includes: – Cemetery plot in green section: $1,000-$3,000 (less than conventional plots) – Opening and closing grave: $800-$1,200 – Biodegradable casket or shroud: $100-$2,000 – Simple shroud: $100-$300 – Cardboard casket: $200-$500 – Wicker or bamboo casket: $800-$2,000 – Untreated pine casket: $500-$1,500 – Funeral home basic services: $1,500-$2,500 – Refrigeration (instead of embalming): $50-$150 per day
What Green Burial Eliminates
You avoid these conventional burial costs: – Embalming: Save $500-$900 – Burial vault: Save $1,000-$3,000 – Expensive casket: Save $1,000-$8,000+ – Elaborate headstone: Natural markers cost little or nothing
Total Savings
Green burial costs 40-60% less than traditional burial, typically saving $3,000-$8,000 while providing more environmentally responsible disposition.
Some Costs May Be Higher
While overall costs are lower, note: – Green cemeteries may be farther from urban areas (transportation costs) – Limited availability may mean less price competition – Some green cemeteries charge conservation fees supporting land protection
What Happens During Green Burial
Understanding the process helps you plan.
Before Burial
Body care: The body is washed and dressed in natural fiber clothing (cotton, linen, wool—no synthetics). It’s kept cool through refrigeration until burial.
Container: The body is placed in a biodegradable casket or wrapped in a shroud. Some families add flowers, notes, or meaningful items that also biodegrade.
Timing: Green burial typically occurs within 3-7 days of death. Refrigeration preserves the body adequately for this timeframe without embalming.
The Burial Service
Green burial services can be traditional or non-traditional—religious or secular, formal or informal. The burial method doesn’t dictate the service style.
Services may occur: – Graveside in the natural setting – At a separate location before proceeding to burial ground – As simple graveside committal or elaborate ceremony with readings and music
The Burial Process
Grave depth: Graves are typically 3.5-4 feet deep, shallower than conventional 6-foot graves. This depth allows aerobic decomposition while preventing surface disturbance.
Placement: The body in shroud or biodegradable casket is lowered directly into the earth. Some families participate in filling the grave.
Marking: Locations are marked with: – Natural fieldstone – Native plants or trees planted at the grave – Flat engraved stones flush with ground – GPS coordinates recorded for finding the grave
Many green cemeteries restrict marker types to maintain natural appearance.
After Burial
The body decomposes naturally over months to years, returning nutrients to soil and integrating with the ecosystem. This process is what burial vaults prevent but green burial embraces.
Families can visit, though green burial grounds look different from conventional cemeteries—more like natural areas than maintained parks.
Green Cemeteries in California
California has limited but growing green burial options.
Certified Green Burial Grounds
Fernwood Cemetery (Mill Valley) – First certified green cemetery in California – Natural environment in Marin County – Offers green burial sections within conventional cemetery – (415) 383-7100
Greenwood Memorial Park (San Diego) – Large portion dedicated to green burial – Native habitat restoration – Multiple green burial options – (619) 297-1624
Joshua Tree Memorial Park (Joshua Tree) – Desert conservation burial ground – Protects desert ecosystem – Remote but beautiful setting – (760) 366-9210
Conventional Cemeteries Offering Green Sections
Many California cemeteries now offer hybrid options where you can choose green burial practices (no vault, biodegradable casket) in special sections:
Bay Area: – Mountain View Cemetery (Oakland) – Hills of Eternity Memorial Park (Colma) – Chapel of the Chimes (Oakland)
Greater California: – Forest Lawn (multiple locations) – some offer green options – Hollywood Forever Cemetery (Los Angeles) – Olivet Memorial Park (Colma)
Call cemeteries directly to ask about green burial availability, practices allowed, and restrictions.
Finding Green Burial Options
Resources for locating green burial: – Green Burial Council: www.greenburialcouncil.org (provider search) – Natural End Map: Interactive map of green burial providers – Contact local cemeteries asking if they offer green sections
Planning a Green Burial
Planning ahead ensures your green burial wishes are honored.
Research Options
Investigate green burial grounds or conventional cemeteries offering green sections in your area. Visit if possible to see the setting and understand their practices.
Understand What’s Allowed
Green burial grounds have varying rules about: – What materials are allowed in caskets or shrouds – Marker types and sizes – Whether embalming is ever permitted – Personal items buried with the body – Religious or secular service requirements
Ask detailed questions before committing.
Choose Your Container
Decide whether you want a biodegradable casket or shroud burial. Options include: – Simple cotton or linen shroud – Willow or seagrass wicker casket – Bamboo casket – Untreated pine or poplar wood casket – Cardboard casket
Plan Your Service
Green burial doesn’t dictate service type. Plan whatever ceremony feels meaningful—religious or secular, formal or casual, elaborate or simple.
Pre-Plan and Document
Document your green burial wishes clearly: – Specify no embalming – Name the green cemetery or type of burial ground preferred – Describe preferred casket or shroud – Explain your reasons to help family understand
Consider pre-purchasing plots at green cemeteries while planning.
Choose Eco-Conscious Funeral Home
Not all funeral homes embrace green burial. Choose providers who: – Understand green burial practices – Offer biodegradable caskets or shrouds – Don’t pressure you toward embalming – Will work with green cemeteries – Support your environmental values
Religious and Cultural Perspectives
Many traditions align naturally with green burial principles.
Jewish Burial
Traditional Jewish burial closely follows green burial principles—quick burial without embalming, simple wood casket, direct earth contact, natural decomposition. Jewish law actually requires many green burial practices.
Islamic Burial
Islamic tradition requires burial as quickly as possible (within 24 hours), no embalming, shroud burial, and direct contact with earth—all green burial principles.
Hindu Tradition
While Hinduism traditionally practices cremation, some Hindus interested in green burial find it aligns with dharmic principles of returning to nature without harm.
Christian Traditions
“Dust to dust, ashes to ashes” reflects green burial philosophy. Many Christians find green burial connects with theological beliefs about bodies returning to earth.
Secular and Spiritual
People without specific religious affiliation often choose green burial for environmental ethics, spiritual connection to nature, or belief in natural cycles.
Green Burial at Monte Vista Memorial Gardens
Monte Vista Memorial Gardens is a developing cemetery with burial plots available. Our team can offer consultation on green burial options and help families locate certified green burial grounds throughout California if that approach aligns with their values.
We believe meaningful disposition aligns with personal values. If green burial reflects your environmental commitment and spiritual beliefs, we can help you understand your options and connect you with appropriate resources and providers.
Call 510-299-1174 to discuss burial plot options, green burial, or eco-conscious funeral services.
Key Takeaways
Green burial provides environmentally responsible disposition:
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Green burial uses no embalming, biodegradable materials only, and no burial vaults—allowing natural decomposition and returning the body to earth.
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Environmental benefits include eliminating toxic chemicals, reducing resource consumption, preserving habitat, and supporting carbon sequestration.
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Green burial costs $2,000-$5,000 typically—40-60% less than conventional burial by eliminating embalming, vaults, and expensive caskets.
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Types range from hybrid green sections in conventional cemeteries to full conservation burial grounds protecting habitat permanently.
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California has limited but growing green burial options including Fernwood (Mill Valley), Greenwood (San Diego), and Joshua Tree Memorial Park.
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Green burial aligns with Jewish and Islamic traditions and appeals to people prioritizing environmental responsibility.
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Planning requires researching options, understanding what’s allowed, choosing biodegradable containers, and documenting wishes clearly.
Green burial honors the deceased while protecting the planet—returning the body to earth as humans have done for millennia, before industrial funeral practices became standard.
Interested in Green Burial Options?
We can help you explore green burial, locate certified green cemeteries in California, and plan eco-conscious funeral services aligned with your values.
Call 510-299-1174 to discuss green burial and natural disposition options.