Last Updated on: August 29th, 2025
Reviewed by Kyle Wilson
As awareness of climate change and sustainability grows, many people are rethinking traditional burial and cremation. Standard methods often involve chemicals, non-biodegradable materials, and high energy use, leaving behind a significant environmental impact.
An eco friendly burial offers a more sustainable alternative, allowing individuals to leave a legacy of care for the planet. In this guide, we’ll explore eco friendly burial options, costs, methods, and services, and help you understand whether this choice is right for you and your loved ones.
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An eco friendly burial (also called green burial) minimizes environmental harm by avoiding embalming fluids, non-biodegradable caskets, and energy-intensive processes. Instead, it uses natural materials, biodegradable containers, and eco-conscious practices to return the body to the earth naturally.
Cemeteries designed for sustainability (woodland or conservation cemeteries).
A popular choice for water burials or tree memorials.
| Eco Friendly Burial | Cremation |
| Uses biodegradable materials | Requires fossil fuels and emits CO2 |
| Returns body naturally to the soil | Leaves behind carbon footprint |
| Often more costly depending on location | Usually cheaper ($1,000 – $3,000) |
| Creates a lasting natural memorial (tree, garden, etc.) | Ashes can be scattered but no ecological benefit |
Pros | Cons |
No toxic chemicals or concrete vaults | May be more expensive than cremationl states/regions |
Supports land conservation efforts | Limited cemetery and service providers |
Creates natural memorials like trees | Religious/cultural limitations in some cases |
Many families find comfort in knowing their loved one contributes to new life, like a tree or restored woodland.
Finding an eco friendly burial near me depends on local regulations.
Overall, eco friendly burials can be cheaper than traditional burials ($7,000 – $12,000) but sometimes more expensive than cremation.
As awareness of climate change rises, sustainable burial practices are expected to expand. More cemeteries are converting land into conservation areas, and new technologies like water cremation (alkaline hydrolysis) are being introduced.
Eco burials not only reduce harm but also give back to nature, creating lasting legacies like forests, gardens, or even nutrient-rich soil for conservation.
Eco friendly burials are no longer just a niche choice—they are becoming a mainstream way to honor loved ones while protecting the planet. Whether through a tree pod burial, mushroom suit, human composting, or natural woodland burial, these sustainable methods reflect a commitment to leaving a greener legacy.
As availability grows and costs become more accessible, eco friendly burials will likely become one of the most common final resting options in the years ahead.
Human composting and natural woodland burials are considered the most eco friendly.
Most U.S. states allow natural burials, but human composting is currently legal in a limited number of states such as Washington, Oregon, and California.
Typically $1,000 – $4,000, depending on the provider and tree type.
A natural shroud burial or biodegradable urn (ashes scattered or planted with a tree).
They are expanding but still limited in some regions. Checking with local cemeteries or green burial councils is the best first step.
Senior Writer & Licensed Life Insurance Agent
Iqra is a dynamic and insightful senior writer with a passion for life insurance and financial planning. With over 8 years of hands-on experience in the insurance industry, Iqra has earned a reputation for delivering clear, actionable advice that empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their financial future. At Burial Senior Insurance, she not only excels as a licensed insurance agent but also as a trusted guide who has successfully advised over +1500 clients, helping them navigate the often complex world of life insurance and annuities. Her articles have been featured in top-tier financial publications, making her a respected voice in the industry.
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