Green Burials

The main cost of a burial plot is determined by the location of the cemetery. Cemeteries in urban areas, such as Los Angeles and San Francisco have higher priced plots than in smaller, rural communities. Quite simply, real estate is more expensive in cities. 

A Green Burial Plot can be similarly priced as a conventional burial plot, however, a green burial does not require a vault (grave-liner) or a hard-wood casket and in many cemeteries the family can dig the grave and close the grave themselves saving on backhoe machinery and cemetery staff.

The ideal burial depth for optimal decomposition conditions is 3.5 – 4 feet. Many people are concerned that animals and large birds may try to dig up a grave if they can smell the remains, however, no odor can be detected under 24”. Also, when the grave is filled in, the displaced earth creates a large mound which doubles the depth. This mound will settle usually within a year.

Green Burials are legal throughout California. The most significant difference between a green burial and conventional burial is that the body can decompose naturally in a green burial because it is in direct contact with the earth and not contained within a burial vault.  Cemeteries must abide by strict regulations concerning distance from a water source and as long as the body is not embalmed there is no risk of contamination. 

A Green Burial must comply with the strict regulations of the Green Burial Council which was created to ensure that the term is used correctly and standards are maintained. No burial vault. No embalming. Only biodegradable materials may be buried. No headstone.  Graves become part of the natural habitat. A Green Burial takes place in a certified Green Burial cemetery. 

A Natural Burial adheres to the same principals as a green burial in that there is no burial vault and the body decomposes naturally, however a Natural Burial may take place in a conventional cemetery where the grounds are maintained and a headstone or marker is placed. Caskets also do not have to comply with the strict Green Burial Council regulations such as no metal (nails, screws) and no glue, so a family can construct their own casket for a natural burial.

The main benefit of choosing a green or natural burial is that your body will decompose naturally and return to the earth. You will significantly reduce your carbon footprint by choosing green burial because: hardwood from rainforests will not be harvested, shipping wood from long distances will not be required, metal, plastic and toxic glues will not be utilized, machinery needed to make and deliver concrete will not be necessary, and fertilizers, excess water or lawn mowers will not be needed to maintain cemetery grounds.