Criteria and Characteristics of Green Burial

There is great debate over the use of the word "green" when discussing burial. ​Hybrid, natural, and conservation cemeteries choosing to follow the basic guidelines of green burial fall under the general category of green cemeteries, as opposed to conventional-lawn cemeteries that require concrete or plastic vaults or liners, allow embalmed bodies, and allow exotic wood or metal caskets. 

Natural burial grounds, cemeteries, and preserves all seek to bury without impediment. That means no embalming, no liners or vaults, and using biodegradable containers, whether caskets, shrouds or nothing at all. These cemeteries are operated by a variety of owners: municipal governments, religious groups, individuals, nonprofits, for-profits, and others. Often these burial grounds are designated natural because they may not be directly affiliated with or in partnership with a land trust or other conservation entity; but they most likely are committed to following conservation best practices nonetheless. Natural burial cemeteries strive to provide rich experiences for families and friends amidst careful restoration and maintenance of the land and its inhabitants, both above and below ground. To drill down to the specific requirements for qualifying as a green burial provider, please visit our Our Standards. ​​

GBC's Green Burial Ground Criteria

• Caring for the dead with minimal environmental impact that aids in the conservation of natural resources
• Reduction of carbon emissions
• Protection of worker health
• Restoration and/or preservation of habitat

Green Burial Cemetery Characteristics

• Foregoes toxic embalming
• Does away with vaults
• Chooses biodegradable containers, caskets, shrouds, and urns​
• Discontinues herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers
• Encourages sustainable management practices
• May use GPS units or non-native stone markers to mark grave sites
• May support land conservation efforts
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​Find Help From GBC-Certified Providers​

• Cemeteries in the United States and Canada
• Funeral homes in the United States A–N who will work with you to create an embalming-free funeral 
• Funeral homes in the United States O–Z who will work with you to create an embalming-free funeral
• Funeral homes in Canada A–N who will work with you to create an embalming-free funeral 
• Funeral homes in Canada O–Z who will work with you to create an embalming-free funeral 
• Shrouds, urns, and caskets from certified product manufacturers and distributor

Definitions

Hybrid Cemeteries

A conventional cemetery that offers the essential aspects of natural burial, either throughout the cemetery or in a designated section. GBC-certified hybrids do not require vaults and must allow for any kind of eco-friendly, biodegradable burial containers, such as shrouds and soft wood caskets. For more info, go to Hybrid Cemeteries FAQ

Natural Burial Grounds

A cemetery dedicated in full to sustainable practices/protocols that conserve energy, minimize waste, and do not allow the use of: toxic chemicals, any part of a vault (lid, slab, or partitioned liner), markers made of non-native stone, and burial containers not made from natural/plant derived materials. For more info, go to Green Burial FAQ

Conservation Burial Grounds

A type of natural cemetery that is established in partnership with a conservation organization and includes a conservation management plan that upholds best practices and provides perpetual protection of the land according to a conservation easement or deed restriction. For more info, go to Conservation Burial FAQ