Green Burial

Green burial is a natural and eco-friendly alternative to traditional burial methods, designed to honor both the person and the planet. This section explores what green burial involves, how to plan ahead to ensure your wishes are honored, and what options are available after death. You’ll also find insights on costs, environmental benefits, religious perspectives, and green burial tips—helping you make choices that align with your values.

Get the best of the SevenPonds Magazine monthly

Green Burial

What Is Green Burial?

Before Death: Choosing Green or Natural Burial

Before Death: Securing Your Wish for Green or Natural Burial

After Death: Options for Green Burial

A unique cemetery in Manila features portraits of the dead rather than headstones

How Does the Cost of Green Burial Compare With “Conventional” Burial?

How Long Does an Unembalmed Body Buried Without a Casket Take to Decompose?

What Are the Benefits of Green Burial?

A video from One Small Step explains why green burial is an environmentally sound choice for disposing on our dead (7 minutes)

Will Unembalmed Bodies Leach Drugs Such as Chemotherapy into Groundwater?

Learn how to make a wildflower casket spray for a green burial

Will Burying an Unembalmed Body Attract Wildlife?

Will a Naturally Buried Body Contaminate Ground or Water Supply or Cause Disease?

“Look for Me in Rainbows by Vicki Brown is a perfect song for a green funeral, simple, sad and uplifting all at the same time

Can Family Members Transport the Body to a Green Burial?

Can I Use a Funeral Home and Still Have a Natural Burial?

Can Family and Loved Ones Participate in Green Burial?

An interview with Kate Hoover, who hand-sews shrouds for green burials at her company ,Vale Shrouds

The Green Burial Guidebook by Elizabeth Fornier is a comprehensive step-by-step guide to planning a green burial

Can I Hold a Home Funeral Prior to a Green Burial?

What Is a Green Burial Service Like?

What Is the Position of the Catholic Church on Green Burial?

A park-like natural burial ground set in the woods of Cedar Creek, Texas, shows how lovely green burial can be

Do Any Religions Prohibit Green Burial?

Funeral director Shari Wolf, founder of Natural Grace Funerals in Los Angeles explains the emotional benefits of natural burial

Can I Choose a Green Burial for a Pet?

How Can I Wrap or Shroud a Body for Natural Burial?

What Is a Shroud?

What Is a Bier?

An article from the Washington Post explains how green burials can change our relationship with death in unexpected ways

What Is a “Green” Casket?

SevenPonds explores our shifting attitudes about death, our bodies and the environment

How Can I Raise Awareness About Green Burials in My Community?

An interview with Ed Bixby owner of the Steelmantown Cemetery Green Burial Preserve ablout the healing power of green burial

How Can I Find a Natural or Conservation Burial Ground in My Area?

Can I Hold a Green Burial on Private Property?

What Are the Three Types of Green Burial Sites?

The Iconic Funeral Hymn “Will The Circle Be Unbroken”

Where Can a Green Burial Take Place?

Green Burial: Additional Resources