What Is a Green Burial?

A green burial, also called a natural burial, is an environmentally responsible alternative to conventional burial. 

Its purpose is to minimize ecological impact by allowing the body to decompose naturally and return to the earth without harmful chemicals or non-biodegradable materials.

Unlike traditional burial, which often involves embalming fluids, metal caskets, and concrete vaults, green burial focuses on natural processes and biodegradable materials that support soil health and ecosystems.

Green burial ultimately reflects a philosophy that views the end of life as a return rather than a disruption.

What Are the Main Principles of Environmentally Mindful Burial Practices?

Environmentally conscious afterlife practices share several foundational principles.

1. Biodegradable Materials

Green burials use biodegradable caskets, shrouds, or urns made from materials like untreated wood, bamboo, wicker, or natural fibers. These materials break down naturally and leave minimal traces.

2. No Toxic Chemicals

Green burials avoid embalming fluids, which often contain formaldehyde and other toxic substances. This protects soil, groundwater, and the health of funeral professionals.

3. Natural Decomposition

The body returns directly to the earth without the use of concrete vaults or liners. This allows decomposition to occur naturally and nourish the surrounding environment.

4. Land Stewardship

Many green burial grounds prioritize conservation, native landscaping, and long-term ecological protection rather than manicured lawns or invasive landscaping.

This commitment to natural aesthetics can also extend to memorialization. Rather than using upright, polished stone tombstones, green burials may utilize non-traditional grave markers like natural, uncut boulders or simple flat stones that blend into the existing environment.

Green Burial vs. Traditional Burial Practice

Traditional burial and cremation methods can carry a high environmental cost. For example:

• Burial vaults and metal caskets can take centuries to break down
• Embalming chemicals may leach into soil and groundwater
• Flame cremation releases carbon dioxide and other emissions into the atmosphere.

Green burial and low-impact cremation practices, on the other hand, reduce these impacts by eliminating unnecessary materials, lowering emissions, and supporting restoration rather than extraction.

For many families, the shift to a green burial from a traditional burial practice also brings emotional meaning. Knowing that a loved one’s burial supports the health of the planet rather than burdening it can be deeply comforting.

What Are Some Emerging Environmentally Mindful Afterlife Practices?

As interest in sustainable death care grows, new practices are emerging that further redefine what it means to return to the earth.

Tree Burial / Tree Pod Burial

A tree burial or tree pod burial is a conceptual and emerging practice in which cremated remains, or in some models the body itself, are placed in a biodegradable pod that nourishes a newly planted tree. 

Over time, the tree becomes a living memorial that transforms remembrance into regeneration. This idea resonates strongly with people seeking continuity between life, death, and nature, where remembrance takes the form of growth.

Alkaline Hydrolysis (Water Cremation)

Alkaline hydrolysis, sometimes called water cremation, uses water, heat, and an alkaline solution to accelerate natural decomposition. 

When compared to flame cremation, it requires less energy and produces fewer emissions, making it a lower-impact option for those who prefer cremation.

Cremation and Environmental Responsibility

While cremation is often viewed as a simpler alternative to burial, its environmental impact depends on how it is approached. 

Flame cremation does produce carbon emissions, but meaningful steps can be taken to offset that impact.

For example, Hollywood Forever partners with veritree to help address the environmental footprint of cremation. Through this commitment, trees are planted for every cremation to support reforestation efforts and help offset carbon emissions. For families who choose cremation, this type of initiative provides a tangible way to give back to the earth and create a living legacy.

Why Environmentally Mindful Afterlife Choices Matter

Choosing a green burial or sustainable funeral practices is a deliberate act that reflects care, values, and intention.

There Are Environmental Benefits

You produce a lower carbon footprint, reduce soil, air, and water pollution, and preserve natural habitats and ecosystems.

There Is Emotional and Spiritual Meaning

You obtain a sense of peace in the idea of returning to nature, in memorialization through living landscapes instead of permanent structures, and in alignment between personal values and final arrangements.

Choosing Environmentally Mindful Afterlife Practices

Green burial and environmentally mindful cremation practices reflect a growing desire to approach death with the same care and consciousness we bring to life. 

As a Green Burial Council-certified Hybrid Cemetery, Hollywood Forever proudly offers natural burial options in Los Angeles to ensure your final arrangements align with your commitment to environmentally mindful practices. We also invite you to explore our sister cemetery, Fernwood, in the San Francisco Bay Area. A true pioneer in the movement, Fernwood was among the first in the nation to offer green burials.