There are moments in funeral planning when the practical question in front of you is also a values question. You may be sorting through decisions about a casket, a cemetery, and whether you want a viewing, and suddenly you realize what you are really asking is, “How do we do this in a way that feels gentle—for our person, and for the earth?” That question is becoming more common, and not because families are trying to make an “environmental statement” in the middle of grief. It is usually simpler than that. It is a desire for simplicity, for honesty, and for choices that feel aligned with the life someone lived.
Eco-conscious burial choices can look a lot of different ways, and they do not have to be all-or-nothing. For some families, the focus is a biodegradable casket and a cemetery that permits no vault natural burial. For others, it is avoiding embalming, choosing a plain wood container, or selecting a burial shroud that lets the body return to the soil without extra materials. And for many families, the conversation includes cremation too—because modern “green” decision-making often means comparing burial and cremation side by side, then choosing the path that feels right emotionally, financially, and logistically.
This guide will walk you through environmentally friendly funeral choices in a calm, practical way: what eco-friendly caskets and shrouds are, how cemeteries regulate what is allowed, what questions to ask so you do not get surprised later, and how to think about costs without losing sight of meaning. Along the way, if your family decides cremation is a better fit, you will also see gentle options for memorializing ashes—because sustainable choices exist there, too.
What “Eco-Friendly” Means for Earth Burial
When people say “green burial,” they are usually referring to a set of practices designed to minimize chemicals, reduce long-lasting materials, and allow the body to return to the earth naturally. The Green Burial Council explains that green burial generally involves a biodegradable container and typically no burial vault, with an emphasis on practices that support a natural return to the earth. The National Funeral Directors Association describes green burial similarly: interment without a concrete vault or metal casket, using biodegradable materials such as wooden caskets or shrouds.
Those definitions matter because they shape what counts as “eco-friendly.” An eco friendly casket is not only about the material itself, but also about the broader system around it—especially cemetery requirements. In many conventional cemeteries, the biggest “environmental decision” is not the casket; it is whether the cemetery requires an outer burial container such as a vault or liner. Some cemeteries require vaults for maintenance and groundskeeping reasons, while many natural burial grounds explicitly prohibit them. The practical takeaway is that the same casket can be considered “green” in one setting and incompatible in another.
This is also where families sometimes find relief: you do not need to memorize standards or become an expert overnight. You simply need a plan for asking the right questions, and permission to choose what is realistic for your family.
A Gentle Tour of Eco-Friendly Caskets and Shrouds
Eco-friendly burial containers tend to fall into two broad categories: caskets made from biodegradable materials, and burial shrouds (with or without a supporting board or simple tray, depending on the cemetery). In everyday terms, that can mean a wicker coffin, a cardboard casket for burial, a plain pine box, or one of many burial shroud options made from natural fibers.
As you read through these, it can help to keep one practical question in mind: “Where will this burial take place, and what does that cemetery allow?” If you start there, you avoid falling in love with an option that is not permitted where you plan to bury.
Wicker, Bamboo, and Plant-Fiber Caskets
Wicker, bamboo, seagrass, and other plant-fiber caskets are often chosen because they feel visually and emotionally aligned with nature. They can be beautiful—lightweight, woven, and often softer in appearance than a polished hardwood or metal casket. Families sometimes call this a wicker coffin, but you may also see names like “willow casket” or “bamboo casket.”
The benefit of a plant-fiber casket is that it is designed to break down naturally over time. That makes it an intuitive match for green burial cemeteries and natural burial grounds, where vaults are typically not used and the goal is a natural return to the soil. The key practical consideration is support and handling: reputable options are built to carry weight safely, but you will want to confirm the weight rating and whether the cemetery or funeral home has any handling requirements.
Cardboard and Fiberboard Caskets
Cardboard and fiberboard burial containers can surprise families, because the idea can sound “too simple” at first. In practice, these containers can be dignified, clean-lined, and meaningful—especially for families who value minimal material use and a smaller footprint. A cardboard casket for burial is also sometimes chosen for budget reasons, but the motivation is often deeper than cost. Some families simply want a container that does not last for decades in the soil.
It is also helpful to know that alternative containers are widely recognized in the funeral industry. The Federal Trade Commission notes that no state or local law requires a casket for cremation, and that funeral homes offering cremation must make alternative containers available, which can include fiberboard or cardboard. Even though that FTC guidance is directed at cremation rights, it reassures many families that simplicity is not inherently “less respectful.”
For burial, cemetery rules determine whether a cardboard or fiberboard container is acceptable, especially if the cemetery requires a vault or liner. Some cemeteries may allow the container only if it is placed inside an outer burial container. If you are aiming for a true no vault natural burial, you will want to confirm that the burial ground permits fiber-based containers without a vault.
Plain Pine Boxes and Simple Wood Caskets
A plain pine box is one of the most timeless expressions of simple burial. In many traditions, including some religious communities, simplicity is not a compromise—it is the point. Families sometimes worry that “simple” means “cold,” but a basic wood container can feel warm and human, especially when paired with personal touches like a handwritten note, a natural bouquet, or a small ceremony that reflects the person’s values.
In green burial settings, the simplest untreated wood caskets are often welcome because they are biodegradable and avoid synthetic finishes. In conventional cemeteries, a simple wood casket may still be permitted, but the cemetery may require an outer burial container. If you are trying to balance eco-friendly preferences with a cemetery your family already owns a plot in, a simple wood option can be a meaningful middle path.
Burial Shrouds and the Beauty of Simplicity
Burial shrouds are sometimes the most emotionally resonant option for families seeking a natural burial. A shroud is typically made from natural fabric—often cotton, linen, or wool—and designed to wrap the body in a dignified, respectful way. In some natural burial grounds, a shroud alone is permitted. In others, a shroud is used with a simple supporting board, basket, or tray for transport and lowering.
Shrouds can feel intimate and traditional at the same time. For many families, the idea of returning to the earth “in cloth” feels more like an ancient human practice than a modern “alternative.” If you are exploring burial shroud options, ask about fabric requirements (some burial grounds avoid synthetics entirely), how the body is carried and lowered, and whether the cemetery requires a rigid container.
How to Tell If a Cemetery Allows Green Burial
This is the step that makes or breaks an eco-friendly plan. You can select the most natural container in the world, but if the cemetery requires a vault, prohibits shrouds, or requires embalming for a visitation, your plan may need adjustment. The good news is that you are allowed to ask these questions directly, and you do not need to apologize for asking.
The Green Burial Council notes that cemeteries and funeral homes often have internal rules that affect what is possible, including vault requirements in some cemeteries and embalming requirements for certain kinds of public visitation. That is not meant to discourage you; it is meant to steer you toward clarity early, before money is spent on the wrong item.
If you want a simple script, here are the questions that usually get you to an answer quickly:
- Do you require a burial vault or liner for burial on your grounds?
- Do you permit biodegradable caskets such as wicker, bamboo, untreated wood, or fiberboard?
- Do you allow burial shrouds, and if so, do you require a rigid support board or container?
- Are there any material restrictions (for example, no metal, no varnish, no synthetic fabrics)?
- Are there rules about embalming for visitation, or can refrigeration and timely burial be used instead?
If you want more context on how natural burial grounds define “green cemetery requirements,” Funeral.com’s guide Green Burial and Natural Burial Grounds: Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Traditional Funerals walks through common requirements in plain language, including biodegradable caskets and shrouds, conservation burial models, and how certification can help families understand what a cemetery truly offers.
And if you find yourself stuck at the casket decision itself, Funeral.com’s guide Casket Choices Explained: Materials, Features, Rental Options, and Saving on Costs includes a grounded explanation of eco-friendly caskets made from untreated wood, wicker, bamboo, and other biodegradable materials—useful if you are trying to compare options without getting overwhelmed.
Cost, Simplicity, and the Emotional “Why” Behind Green Choices
Families often type “cost of green caskets” into a search bar at 2 a.m., because cost matters and grief does not make it easier. The honest answer is that eco-friendly options can be less expensive, comparable, or more expensive depending on what you choose and where you bury. A simple untreated wood box or fiber-based container can be among the least expensive choices. Artisan plant-fiber caskets can cost more than basic wood options, especially when they are handcrafted. Cemetery fees vary widely, and the presence or absence of a vault requirement can change the total cost of burial significantly.
It may help to separate “container cost” from “overall burial cost.” If your goal is a truly simple, natural burial, the container is only one piece. Cemetery policies, opening and closing fees, and whether you are required to purchase a vault can matter just as much. For a broader understanding of how costs show up in real-world arrangements, Funeral.com’s Funeral Costs Broken Down: What You’re Paying For and How to Compare Price Lists can help you make sense of what is on a General Price List and how to compare providers without feeling pressured.
Many families also compare burial and cremation costs as part of the same decision, and it is reasonable to do so. The National Funeral Directors Association reports national median costs for funerals with burial and funerals with cremation (with viewing) as a general benchmark, while also noting that cemetery charges are separate and can add substantially. If you are specifically trying to understand how much does cremation cost in today’s market, Funeral.com’s guide How Much Does Cremation Cost? Average Prices and Budget-Friendly Options offers a practical explanation of what is included in direct cremation versus cremation with services.
If You Are Considering Cremation as a “Greener” Choice
Even when an article is about earth burial, cremation comes up because it is now the majority disposition choice in the United States. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the U.S. cremation rate is projected to be 63.4% in 2025. The Cremation Association of North America reports the U.S. cremation rate was 61.8% in 2024, with continued growth projections. In other words, many families who care about sustainability are deciding what to do with ashes just as often as they are deciding what kind of casket to use.
If your family lands on cremation, you still have meaningful ways to align the memorial with earth-centered values. That often begins with choosing a container that matches your plan for the ashes—because what to do with ashes is not a single decision; it is a series of small, personal choices over time.
Choosing Cremation Urns, Keepsakes, or Jewelry Without Pressure
If you want a central memorial at home, you may start with cremation urns that feel stable, lasting, and personal. Funeral.com’s collection of cremation urns for ashes includes a wide range of materials, including nature-inspired designs for families who want an organic look. If you are creating a smaller memorial space, or sharing ashes among several relatives, small cremation urns can provide a compact, dignified option, while keepsake urns are designed specifically for holding a small portion.
Some families want something even more personal and portable, which is where cremation jewelry can be a gentle fit. Funeral.com’s cremation jewelry collection includes pieces designed to hold a symbolic amount, and the cremation necklaces collection can be especially meaningful for people who find comfort in wearing remembrance close to the heart. If you want a calm explanation of what cremation jewelry is and how it is made, Cremation Jewelry 101 is a helpful place to start.
Keeping Ashes at Home, Water Burial, and Other Nature-Forward Plans
Eco-minded families often ask whether keeping ashes at home is “allowed,” and the answer is usually that it is, with the most important constraints coming from future plans (such as cemetery rules if you later bury the urn) rather than from a national ban. Funeral.com’s guide Should You Keep Cremated Ashes at Home? offers a practical discussion of safety, household preferences, and long-term planning—useful if you need time before deciding on scattering or burial.
If your plan involves a nature setting, you may also be considering water burial in the sense of an ashes ceremony on a lake, river, or ocean. Funeral.com’s guide Understanding What Happens During a Water Burial Ceremony explains how families typically approach these ceremonies and what to think through ahead of time.
And if the heart of your decision is “we want to return to nature,” but cremation still feels like the better fit for your family, you may find comfort in learning about biodegradable options for ashes as well. Funeral.com’s guide Eco-Friendly Urns and Biodegradable Options: Water, Soil, and Tree Memorials is a useful bridge between the values behind green burial and the practical realities of modern cremation memorials.
Eco-Friendly Choices for Pets, Too
Green-minded families often want the same care and simplicity when a pet dies. Sometimes that means home burial where local rules permit it; sometimes it means cremation and a memorial at home. If you are navigating pet loss and trying to keep the decision grounded, Funeral.com’s guide Choosing the Right Urn for Pet Ashes: Sizes, Styles, and Personalization Options can help you choose a size and style that fits your pet and your space.
For families choosing cremation, Funeral.com’s pet urns for ashes collection includes a wide range of styles, including pet figurine cremation urns for people who want a memorial that reflects breed and personality. If you are sharing ashes among family members, pet keepsake cremation urns can hold a small, symbolic amount in a form that feels intimate and manageable. And if your family is still considering burial at home, Funeral.com’s guide How to Bury a Dog at Home: Legal Checks, Safe Depth, and Gentle Goodbye Rituals offers a careful, practical overview of what to confirm in advance.
Bringing It All Together: A Practical Path Forward
If you are overwhelmed, it may help to remember that “green” is not a single purchase. It is a sequence of decisions, each one small enough to handle on its own. Start with the cemetery: ask whether vaults are required and whether biodegradable containers or shrouds are permitted. Then choose the simplest container that fits the rules and feels right in your hands. If your family is leaning toward cremation instead, move the decision downstream: choose a plan for the ashes first, then select the memorial item—whether that is cremation urns for ashes, small cremation urns, keepsake urns, or cremation jewelry—that supports that plan.
Most of all, give yourself permission to choose a form of simplicity that is actually sustainable for your family, emotionally and practically. Eco-friendly choices are not about perfection. They are about aligning the farewell with what mattered, and creating a goodbye that feels honest, peaceful, and true.
