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An image of the organic forest floor materials gathered at the base of a tree before a ash spreading ceremony. an option of a natural burial
  • Green Burial, Sustainable Alternatives

Natural Burial Near Me: How to Find a Provider

Natural burials or green burials account for a tiny but growing share of all funerals in the United States. For those with a love of nature who are looking to save money and the environment—natural burials are a sustainable option. But, finding the right provider can be a crucial step. This guide will help you understand what natural burials are, explore your options, and find a provider near you.

What is a Natural Burial?

A natural burial, often referred to as a green burial, is an environmentally low-impact choice for final disposition. Instead of using traditional methods like embalming and concrete vaults, bodies are buried in shrouds or biodegradable caskets made of wood, bamboo, or cardboard. No embalming fluids, grave liners, or headstones are used. This approach aims to return the body to the earth with minimal environmental impact, maintaining the natural landscape.

Benefits of Natural Burial

The Green Burial Council estimates traditional burial emits approximately 250 lbs. of carbon, whereas natural burial sequesters approximately 25 lbs. of carbon while avoiding energy-intensive mowing, fertilizing and watering.

Natural Burial Options

Natural burials can take place in a variety of locations. Here are some common options:

Natural Burial Options: Hybrid Cemeteries

These are areas within conventional cemeteries where burial occurs without a concrete vault, chemical embalming, and with a biodegradable container. 

Natural Burial Options: Natural Burial Cemeteries

These cemeteries are dedicated entirely to natural burials, employing all three elements of a green burial: a non-toxic body preparation, the absence of a concrete vault, and the use of a biodegradable container.

Natural Burial Options: Conservation Preserves

In a conservation cemetery, a land trust entity preserves land that is partly used for burial. This helps protect and restore wildlife habitats.  

Natural Burial Options: Private Plot

In some cases, individuals may opt for a private cemetery on their own property. This can be a meaningful and personal way to honor a loved one while adhering to green burial principles.

Are Natural Burials Legal?

Natural burials are legal in most states, but regulations vary by location. While most all states require a burial permit and death certificate only a handful of states have regulations.

Best State for Natural Burial: Natural Burial California

Natural burial is legal and regulated in California. In fact, according to a 2023 study California is the best state for natural burial based on four factors: provider access, burial locations, financial advantage and demand.

Best States for Natural Burial

Source: Lawn Love

Natural Burial California: Access & Locations

While still limited, California offers the greatest provider access and most natural burial locations nationwide.

Natural Burial California: Demand

Natural burial in California ranks fifth among states in terms of volume of demand for natural burial. With the increased demand more providers will likely be offering this service in the future

Natural Burial California: Financial Advantage

Despite a low financial advantage for natural burials in California compared with other states,  California still ranks as the overall best state for natural burials.

Natural Burial Near Me: Where to Begin

Finding a natural burial provider near you can be overwhelming, but starting with trusted organizations can make the process smoother. While Google is a common starting point, it’s important to note that results may be influenced by ads and algorithms rather than quality. Here are four alternative ways to find some reputable resources:

Natural Burial Near Me: Green Burial Council

In 2005 the Green Burial Council was founded to establish standards within the growing natural burial movement. This organization has developed natural burial standards and certification. The Green Burial Council recommends checking Lee Webster’s up-to-date list of certified providers. They also recommend state organizations that can assist you in planning a natural burial. Check their list here. 

Natural Burial Near Me: Better Business Bureau 

Checking (and cross-checking) with the Better Business Bureau can help you find trustworthy providers in your area, view the provider’s grade and confirm their reputation. 

Natural Burial Near Me: A Greener Funeral

A Greener Funeral is a website dedicated to educating the public on greener funeral options. They offer a directory of providers who adhere to green burial practices. 

Natural Burial Near Me: Better Place Forests

Though we can’t recommend specific natural burial locations, we partner with several reputable providers. You can search our partner directory to help guide your research.

Is Natural Burial Right for Me?

Natural burials offer a sustainable and meaningful way to honor a loved one while minimizing environmental impact. If you’re curious about additional sustainable end-of-life options that can leave a legacy for future generations by protecting land and allowing our bodies to return naturally to the earth, schedule a call with one of our Guides.

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A family walks through the forest to look into affordable burial options
  • Cremation, End of Life Planning, Featured, Green Burial
9 Affordable Burial and Cremation Options
Final arrangements are no longer an afterthought. A growing number of people are being proactive about their funeral plans and considering the environmental impact of their choices, which has led to rising interest in natural burial. Unlike conventional methods, natural burial offers a range of options that are often more affordable, simple, and environmentally conscious. According to the National Funeral Director’s Association 2024 Consumer Awareness and Preferences Report, 68% of respondents expressed interest in natural burial—up from 55.7% in 2021. This shift signals a broader cultural shift in how we approach end-of-life decisions. People are prioritizing values like environmental stewardship and their connection to nature. As a result, natural burial has emerged as a meaningful and sustainable alternative to traditional practices, symbolizing a more thoughtful and values-driven approach to honoring loved ones. Whether it’s about reducing your environmental footprint, connecting with nature, or creating a more meaningful goodbye, natural burial redefines how we rest. This guide explores what natural burial is, why it’s on the rise, and what it costs. 5 Reasons Why People Are Choosing Natural Burial More and more people are opting for natural burials—and with good reason. Here are five reasons why more people are opting for natural burial: 1. Sustainability Natural burials are designed to have minimal environmental impact. They avoid harmful embalming chemicals, reduce land disruption, and conserve natural resources. Unlike traditional burials, which emit around 250 pounds of carbon, natural burials can sequester approximately 25 pounds. This makes natural burial an excellent end-of-life choice for anyone prioritizing the health of our planet. By forgoing embalming and choosing minimally invasive burial methods, natural burials honor both the land and the body of the deceased. The process supports the natural cycle of life, enriching the earth with nutrients rather than polluting it. 2. Conservation Natural burial grounds forego embalming fluids, require biodegradable coffins, and conserve land which help protect and restore natural landscapes. Funds paid to natural burial plots are also reinvested into conserving forests, meadows, and other ecosystems. “The purpose of conservation is to offer the greatest good to the greatest number of people for the longest time,” says the chief of the US Forest Service American Forester Gifford Pinchot. Every natural burial helps protect forest ecosystems where wildlife and plant habitats can thrive while giving families a place to honor their loved ones. 3. Return to Nature Natural burial allows you to return to the earth. By allowing the body to naturally decompose, nutrients are recycled into the soil, fueling new life and a return to the natural cycle. This practice embraces minimal intervention, often using biodegradable caskets or shrouds to support the process. It highlights that our bodies belong to nature and when they return to the earth they can help continue the cycle of life. 4. Reflect Your Values Many people spend their life caring for the world around them whether through recreational gardening or more involved philanthropic efforts. With natural burial, these values can guide one’s final resting place. For those dedicated to enjoying the outdoors and caring for the planet, it’s only fitting to choose a final resting place in nature. A natural burial provides a meaningful resting place while reflecting values of care, sustainability, and simplicity. 5. Participation Natural burials provide families with an opportunity to play a more active role in the end-of-life process. Instead of immediately handing over the process when a loved one passes, families are encouraged to be directly involved in creating heartfelt, intimate goodbyes. This hands-on approach allows families to honor their loved ones in a way that aligns with their values and wishes, bringing a sense of comfort and peace during a difficult time. Additionally, natural burial sites offer ongoing opportunities for connection with loved ones to celebrate memories while enjoying the beauty of nature. The Issues with Traditional Burial For decades, traditional burial practices have shaped how families navigate the loss of a loved one. These practices often rely on costly services and leave families with an expensive and resource-intensive end-of-life system that can feel detached from personal connection. On top of that, environmental concerns have become increasingly significant. Traditional burials center around embalming, metal caskets, and heavy concrete vaults. And while this offers familiarity, it also has its issues. Embalming fluids, non-biodegradable materials, and excessive land usage take a toll on the planet, leaving many questioning if there’s a better way. As more people recognize these challenges, the demand for environmentally sustainable and emotionally resonant end-of-life choices has fueled interest in natural burials. Who’s Choosing Natural Burial Natural burial isn’t limited to a specific type of person. Its appeal lies in the simplicity, sustainability, and personalized experience it offers. This choice typically resonates with: Individuals who prioritize eco-friendly practices Those seeking a closer connection to nature Families desiring more active roles in honoring their loved ones’ lives Natural burial embraces people from all walks of life. Whether you’re a conservationist, an avid gardener, or someone who cherishes the outdoors, this option reflects a shared respect for the environment. Environmentally-Conscious Burial Options There are many ways to choose a more sustainable end-of-life option than what’s offered with traditional burial. Among the non-traditional approaches gaining popularity are natural burial, human composting, water cremation, and fire cremation. Each method offers unique environmental benefits, but natural burial stands out as the most sustainable choice. Here’s a quick comparison of the environmental benefits and costs associated with these non-traditional methods: Comparison of Non-Traditional Disposition Methods Method Net Carbon Footprint Fuel Expenditure Amount of left-over product for disposal Enviro Benefits (➕) & Costs (–) Natural Burial Sequesters 25lbs CO2 per burial,10 tons per acre Transportation to cemetery None ➕ Land protection ➕ Nutrient contribution to soil Human Composting Unknown ・Producing and transporting natural materials to the facility ・Construction and maintenance of facility and units ・Transporting finished material 1+ cubic yard of leftover material 10-15 pounds of pulverized bone ➕ Resortation of depleted soil – Material acquisition – Facility maintenance Water Cremation 150-200lbs CO2 emissions per person ・Electricity or propane to heat 100 gal of water under pressure for 3-12 hrs ・Processing and transport of potassium hydroxide 100-300 gallons of effluent 10-156 lbs of pulverized bone – Potential algae bloom from runoff – Disposal of effluent Fire Cremation 250-536lbs CO2 emissions per person Up to 500 gallons of field, usually natural gas to burn at 2000℉ for 3-4 hours 7-10 lbs of pulverized bone – Potential algae bloom from runoff – Mercury poisoning of air and water Source: Green Burial Council Challenges of Natural Burial The key challenge to natural burial is the need for pre-planning coupled with many people’s reluctance to discuss end-of-life plans. Since the body is not embalmed, the burial process needs to happen quickly, adding a layer of urgency. This paired with the small amount of natural burial sites can be tricky because natural burial sites are not yet abundent, making accessibility for many a roadblock. Arranging for transportation of the body is possible, but having early discussions and a clear plan in place helps reduce the stress of last-minute decisions, ensuring a smoother process for loved ones. Planning for the Future Natural burial is changing how we approach end-of-life traditions. Could natural burial sites be the cemeteries of the future? It’s entirely possible as more people rethink tradition and acknowledge environmental challenges. Natural burial represents an opportunity for positive change—enabling families to make impactful choices about their legacy.
  • Featured, Sustainable Alternatives
Why People Are Choosing Natural Burial in 2025
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  • Featured, Memorials, Sustainable Alternatives
What is a Cremation Garden?
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