Green & Natural Funeral Options

Eco Funerals: Exploring Today’s Green Choices & Natural Burial Options

There’s no single way to have a green funeral. From a fully natural, vault-free burial to a simple shrouded burial, a plot in a conservation cemetery, or newer options like water cremation and human composting, eco-conscious death care now spans a wide spectrum of choices — and a wide range of costs.

This resource section is here to help you make sense of it. Our guides explain what actually makes a burial “green,” how the options compare in terms of environmental impact and price, and how to find providers and cemeteries that offer them.

For many families, the appeal is twofold: a smaller environmental footprint and a noticeably lower cost than a conventional funeral. Whatever is drawing you here, start with the guides below — or find an affordable provider near you.

Common questions from families considering a natural or eco-friendly farewell.

What is a green burial? A green burial returns the body to the earth as naturally as possible. It generally avoids embalming chemicals, uses a biodegradable casket or a simple shroud, and skips the concrete burial vault — allowing the body to decompose and become part of the surrounding soil.

Is green burial the same as natural burial? The terms “green burial” and “natural burial” are used interchangeably and mean essentially the same thing. “Conservation burial” is a stricter form in which burials take place on legally protected land managed for long-term habitat preservation.

How much does a green burial cost? Costs vary by location and cemetery, but a green burial is often more affordable than a conventional one because it removes the expense of embalming, an ornate casket, and a vault. Through some DFS Memorials providers, a simple green burial can be arranged from around $1,895. Always confirm current pricing with your chosen provider.

Is embalming required for a green burial? No. Embalming is rarely required by law in the United States. For a green burial, the body is typically kept cool with refrigeration or dry ice rather than chemical preservation — an approach that is both eco-friendly and lower cost.

What is a conservation or green cemetery? A green cemetery is a burial ground that permits natural, vault-free burials, and many are certified by the Green Burial Council. Conservation cemeteries go a step further, using burial fees to permanently protect and restore natural land.

What is aquamation, or water cremation? Aquamation — also called alkaline hydrolysis or water cremation — uses water and an alkaline solution instead of flame to reduce the body. It uses less energy than flame cremation and is currently legal in around 26 US states [2026], with more considering legislation.

What is human composting? Human composting, formally known as natural organic reduction (NOR), gently transforms the body into nutrient-rich soil over several weeks. It is one of the newest eco-friendly options and is now legal in more than a dozen US states, with further states reviewing legislation.

Is green burial better for the environment than cremation? Generally, yes. Green burial avoids the fossil fuels and emissions of flame cremation, as well as the chemicals used in conventional burial. Aquamation and human composting are also considered lower-impact alternatives — the best choice depends on what is legal and available in your area.