Traditional burial involves embalming chemicals, steel or hardwood caskets, concrete grave liners, and cemetery land. Conventional cremation requires significant energy and releases carbon dioxide and mercury. If your values include environmental stewardship, you may be pleased to know that genuine eco-friendly alternatives now exist across the United States.
Natural (Green) Burial
Natural burial is perhaps the simplest eco-friendly option. The body is not embalmed, is placed in a biodegradable container (a shroud, wicker casket, or simple wood box), and is buried in a way that allows natural decomposition — returning the body to the earth without chemicals or vault liners.
Natural burial grounds range from traditional cemeteries with a designated green section to conservation burial grounds, where the burial fees fund land preservation. Some green burial grounds mark graves with native plantings or GPS coordinates rather than headstones.
Key considerations:
- The body cannot be embalmed (refrigeration is used instead for preservation before burial)
- A biodegradable container is required — no metal caskets
- No concrete grave liner or vault (these prevent natural decomposition)
- Not all cemeteries offer green burial sections — you'll need to find a participating location
Aquamation (Alkaline Hydrolysis / Water Cremation)
Aquamation — also called alkaline hydrolysis, water cremation, or bio-cremation — uses water, heat, and alkaline chemicals to dissolve soft tissue, leaving only bones, which are then processed into "ash" similar to cremated remains. The process uses significantly less energy than flame cremation and produces no air pollution or mercury emissions.
Aquamation is legal in a growing number of states. The remains returned to family look similar to flame cremation ashes and can be scattered, interred, or kept.
Human Composting (Natural Organic Reduction)
Human composting — also called natural organic reduction or "terramation" — is the newest option. The body is placed in a sealed vessel with natural materials (wood chips, alfalfa, straw), and over approximately 30 days, it decomposes naturally into nutrient-rich soil. The resulting soil can be used by the family for gardening, returned to nature, or donated to conservation land.
Human composting is currently available in a limited number of states, including Washington, Colorado, Oregon, Vermont, California, and New York. Legalization is expanding.
Other Options
- Tree pod or burial pod: Products like the Capsula Mundi place the body in a biodegradable pod designed to nourish a specific tree as it decomposes. Availability varies.
- Reef memorial: Cremated remains can be mixed into artificial reef structures, providing marine habitat as a memorial.
- Memorial diamonds: Carbon from cremated remains can be compressed into a diamond under high pressure. Not eco-friendly in the traditional sense, but a meaningful alternative to standard disposition.
How to Plan for Eco-Friendly Burial
- Research what's available in your area. The Green Burial Council (greenburialcouncil.org) maintains a directory of certified providers and cemeteries.
- Confirm legality in your state. Human composting and aquamation are not yet available everywhere.
- Document your preferences. Include your choice in your funeral instructions and tell your family.
- Consider pre-arrangements. Some green burial providers and cemeteries allow advance arrangements similar to traditional prepaid funeral plans.
For the full picture of funeral pre-planning, see our complete guide to planning your funeral in advance.