With rising funeral costs in the US, it’s important to consider all factors and options when planning to lay your loved ones to rest. In turn, green burials have been gaining popularity as a preferred method of burying a loved one. From tree pod burials to water cremation, there are plenty of sustainable options available. But before exploring the market, it’s important to know what a green burial is, where green burials are legal, and how much green burials cost.
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Key takeaways
Final expense insurance can cover the cost of a green burial.
Green burials cost significantly less than traditional burials by several thousand dollars.
Green burials are legal everywhere in the US. However, California, Georgia, Maryland, and Washington have defined regulations, but not every cemetery allows green burial.
Water cremation, tree pod burial, anatomical donation, burial at sea, mushroom suit burial, and human composting are other viable options for an eco-friendly funeral.
What is a Green Burial?
Green burials, also known as natural or eco-burials, can be defined as a burial method that allows the dearly beloved to decompose naturally. The body is prepared in a way that causes minimal environmental impact and aids in the conservation of natural resources.
They typically require fewer resources and steps compared to a traditional burial and can be a great, cost-accessible option.
Requirements for Green Burial
Bodies for green burials are not embalmed; if there is any embalming, then only non-toxic, biodegradable fluids are used to protect the environment. The body can also be refrigerated for preservation. Burial containers are made using biodegradable materials that will decompose over time (no wood or metal caskets, no burial vaults or concrete liners), and eco-friendly grave markers or GPS coordinates are used to minimize environmental disruption.
Green burials are legal across all 50 US states. Funeral and burial regulations vary across individual states, with California, Georgia, Maryland, and Washington being the only regulated states. However, despite legal and state regulations, not all cemeteries allow for green burial. The Green Burial Council and New Hampshire Funeral Resources have listed all the cemeteries where green burials are permitted.
How Much Does Green Burial Cost?
Ultimately, a funeral’s cost is determined by factors such as what state you live in, the types of services you’d like, and whether you’d like a cremation or burial service. On average, a green burial will range anywhere from $1,500 to $4,000—about $3,850 to $6,300 cheaper than a traditional burial.
Green Burial vs. Traditional Burial - Cost Comparison
The following average estimates are 2023 data sourced from the National Funeral Directors Association:
| Service | Green Burial | Traditional Burial |
|---|---|---|
|
Service Fees |
$1,650 |
$2,495 |
|
Remains Removal/Transfer |
$395 |
$395 |
|
Caskets |
$0 |
$2,500 |
|
Burial Vault |
$0 |
$1,695 |
|
Cemetery Plot |
$1,000-$5,000 |
$1,000-$5,000 |
|
Average Minimum Total |
$1,740 |
$8,300 |
|
Average Maximum Total |
$5,225 |
$9,995 |
Other Green Burial Options Available
If you’re still unsure about having a green burial, there are still environmentally-friendly options you should consider:
Tree Pod Burials
1
Much like green burials, tree pod burials are becoming a more popular, eco-friendly funeral option. In short, the body or ashes of the departed are placed in a pod underneath a new or existing tree, enriching the soil in the process.
This green burial option will cost about $4,000, which is around one-third of the average cost of a traditional funeral in the US.
Human Composting
2
Human composting, also known as natural organic reduction, refers to the process of allowing the body of the deceased to transform into nutrient-rich soil through natural decomposition.
As more Americans seek eco-friendly ways to dispose of human remains, human composting offers such an option that still manages to be anywhere between $4,000 and $5,500. Though, it is important to consider that this kind of green burial is only legal in 13 states as of 2024.
Water Cremation
3
Also known as alkaline hydrolysis, water cremation refers to the cremation method that uses roughly 10% of the energy needed for regular cremation. Water, alkali solution, heat, and pressure are used to reduce the body of the deceased to bone fragments, which are dried and reduced further before being returned to the family.
Costs depend on location and the amount of servicing requested, but cost anywhere from $1,300 to $4,000. However, only 23 states offer water cremation.
Donating Your Body to Science
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Another green option for laying a loved one to rest would be donating your body to science, alternatively known as an anatomical donation, to advance medical research and reduce the costs for scientific testing.
With this option, you would only have to worry about paying for transportation, death certificates, and funeral home services. A few setbacks to consider are that it will be unclear how your body will be used, your family won’t know when your remains will be returned, and there will be no guarantee that your body will be accepted into an institution.
Mushroom Suit Burial
5
This particular option sees the dearly departed buried in a mushroom coffin. A mushroom coffin, also known as a mycelium coffin, is made of biodegradable material and forms within a week, decomposes quickly from anywhere within 30 to 45 days, and allows the body of the deceased to decompose in two to three years versus the more than 10 year period in a traditional burial.
A mushroom suit burial will cost around $1,500 to $2,000.
Burial at Sea
6
Burials at sea have been a time-honored tradition with roots in many cultures globally, making it a constant alternative burial option. Much like the name implies, this green option sees the remains of the deceased enclosed (in a casket, shroud, or urn) and disposed of at least three nautical miles from shore.
An unattended water burial at sea will range from $200 to $500, while burials at sea with memorial reefs—artificial reefs placed on the ocean floor where your family can visit whenever—can add on at least $7,995 extra.
Green Burial Pros & Cons
Pros
- Green burials are more cost-accessible and cost-effective.
A green burial is significantly cheaper than a traditional burial by more than $6,000. - It’s both environmentally and health conscious.
Green burials are not only eco-friendly choices to consider but also eliminate/limit the amount of cancer-causing chemicals used in traditional burials, which may reduce health risks in funeral homes. - Plenty of “green” choices.
Aside from green burials, there are plenty of other environmentally-conscious choices such as water cremation, body composting, tree pod burials, anatomical donation, mushroom suit burials, and full body sea burials, to name a few options.
Cons
- Green burials are time sensitive.
Because of the way bodies are preserved in a green burial, planning and execution of a green burial is quicker than a traditional burial. - No grave markers.
While some cemeteries may allow for eco-friendly grave marker options to help locate the departed, some cemeteries may not. - Green burials are not permitted in all cemeteries.
Despite being legal across the US, rules concerning green burials remain inconsistent. There are only a few select cemeteries in some states that allow for green burials.
Can I Use Burial Insurance for a Green Burial?
Yes, you can use final expense insurance (burial insurance, funeral insurance) for your green burial. With burial insurance, you will be able to pay for a funeral, repay outstanding debts, and cover the cost of a green burial.
Here at Final Expense Benefits, we’re here to help you connect with some of the top burial insurance carriers, such as:
Final Thoughts
How you lay your loved ones to rest is going to be your decision at the end of the day. However, green burial options are generally more affordable and ethical compared to traditional burial services.
With all of those factors in mind, Final Expense Benefits is committed to helping you find the option that works best for your needs. Feel free to call us at (866) 786-0725 or use our free online quoting tool to find the most affordable and comprehensive life insurance coverage.
FAQ
How much do green burials cost?
Prices will change from state to state but according to the National Funeral Directors Association, green burials cost anywhere from $1,740 to $5,225.
How can I afford a green burial?
Much like a traditional burial, final expense insurance can be used to cover green burial costs.
How does green burial work?
Criteria for what is considered a green burial involves the following: no toxic embalming, no non-biodegradable burial containers, and possible usage of a non-native stone marker or GPS coordinates to mark grave sites.
What states allow green burials?
All 50 states allow green burials, but only California, Georgia, Maryland, and Washington are state regulated. However, not every cemetery allows for green burial.
What is burial insurance?
Also known as final expense insurance or funeral insurance, burial insurance is a type of whole life insurance that can be used to cover final expenses such as funeral, cremation, and other costs.
Why is embalming not allowed for green burials?
Traditional embalming fluid is usually made using formaldehyde, which can not only present health risks in funeral homes but also contribute to pollution.