Green Burial

Green burial (or natural burial) is a way of caring for the dead with minimal environmental impact. The goal is complete decomposition of the body and its natural return to the soil. Like home funerals, loved ones’ participation in the preparation and service is encouraged.

The body is not embalmed and is placed in a biodegradable casket/container and interred without a burial vault. You can buy beautiful biodegradable caskets and burial containers made of rush, bamboo or wood, or you can make your own pine box. A natural fiber shroud is acceptable as well (subject to individual cemetery rules).

Many green cemeteries also will accept cremated remains for burial in eco-friendly urns/containers.

Green cemeteries preserve the natural habitat of native trees, shrubs and plants and offer a refuge for birds and wildlife. Native field rocks are frequently used as headstones.

The Green Burial Council is the standard-bearer and lead steward of the growing environmental/social/consumer green burial movement. They certify three levels of green cemeteries: hybrid (conventional cemeteries with designated areas that adhere to the tenets of green burial); Natural Burial Grounds; and Conservation Burial Grounds. For more information, visit www.greenburialcouncil.org.

Prices for natural burial may vary widely by region and the type of cemetery. Since New Jersey law requires the assistance of a funeral director at a green burial, and there are not many green cemeteries as yet, travel time for the funeral director could also be an added cost.

There is a Natural Burial Ground in Steelmantown and hybrid cemeteries in Mahwah, Parsippany and Rosemont, New Jersey. And some conventional cemeteries in New Jersey are offering the option of burial without vaults and other eco-friendly choices.