Are Green Burials Cheaper Than Conventional Burials?

Green burials are emerging as an alternative to conventional methods, gaining attention for their environmental alignment and potential financial savings. This article compares the typical costs of both practices to clarify if green burial is a more cost-effective option.

Defining Green Burials

A green burial, often referred to as a natural burial, focuses on minimizing environmental impact and promoting natural decomposition. It involves returning the body to the earth naturally, avoiding toxic chemicals and non-biodegradable materials. Practices typically include direct earth burial without a vault or concrete liner, using biodegradable shrouds or caskets, and foregoing embalming. The Green Burial Council (GBC) defines green burial as caring for the deceased with minimal environmental impact, aiming for conservation of natural resources, reduction of carbon emissions, protection of worker health, and habitat restoration. This process supports the reintegration of the body with the ecosystem.

Expenses of Conventional Burials

Conventional burials typically involve a range of expenses that contribute to a significant overall cost. The national median cost for a traditional funeral with a viewing and burial was approximately $8,300 in 2023, though this can range from $7,000 to $15,000 when cemetery costs are included. A substantial portion of this amount covers funeral home services, which often include a non-declinable basic service fee, typically around $2,000 to $2,122. Embalming, common for viewings, can add about $755 to $759.

A traditional casket represents a considerable expense, with a median cost around $2,500 to $3,500 for metal or hardwood. Many cemeteries also require an outer burial container, such as a concrete burial vault or grave liner, to prevent the ground from sinking, adding $1,000 to $2,000. Other common costs include the use of funeral home facilities for viewing and services, preparation of the body, transportation via a hearse, and printed materials. Cemetery plot costs, separate from funeral home fees, can range from $1,000 to $4,000, with additional charges for opening and closing the grave, typically $1,000 to $1,500, and a headstone or grave marker.

Expenses of Green Burials

Green burials generally involve fewer components and services compared to conventional burials, leading to lower costs. The average cost for a green burial typically ranges from $2,000 to $5,000, with some estimates as low as $1,000 or up to $8,000 depending on location and specific choices. These costs usually cover the plot fee in a certified green burial ground or natural cemetery, which can be between $800 and $4,000, including the opening and closing of the grave.

A significant source of savings in a green burial comes from avoiding expenses like embalming, which is not permitted in certified green burials. Expensive traditional caskets and burial vaults are also eliminated. Instead, a biodegradable shroud or a simple, eco-friendly casket made from materials like cardboard, pine, bamboo, or willow is used, costing significantly less, typically from $100 to $1,000 for a shroud, and $50 to $2,500 for a biodegradable casket. Professional services fees for funeral directors in green burials are generally lower, focusing on minimal preparation of the body and necessary documentation.

Cost Comparison and Influencing Factors

Green burials are often more affordable than conventional burials, primarily due to the elimination of several high-cost items. By foregoing embalming, traditional caskets, and burial vaults, green burials can offer substantial savings, often thousands of dollars. The average green burial costs approximately one-third to half the price of a traditional funeral.

The final cost of a green burial is influenced by several factors. Geographic location plays a role, as the cost of land and the availability of certified green cemeteries vary across regions. For example, plots in conservation burial grounds, which preserve land, might be more expensive due to their specific land use and lower burial density. The choice of burial container, whether a simple shroud or a more elaborate biodegradable casket, also impacts the price. Additionally, the type of services chosen, such as a simple graveside ceremony versus a more comprehensive memorial service, can affect the overall expenditure.