Learn About Green Burial Council Certified Cemeteries

What Green Burial Council Certification Means

The Green Burial Council is a nonprofit organization that sets standards for environmentally responsible burial practices. When a cemetery earns Green Burial Council certification, it means the facility has met specific environmental and social criteria established by the organization. This certification process involves a detailed review of how the cemetery operates, from land management practices to merchandise policies.

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Founded in 2005, the Green Burial Council developed standards because traditional cemetery practices often involve materials and chemicals that can harm the environment. A certified cemetery commits to avoiding unnecessary pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals that might contaminate soil and groundwater. The organization has three certification levels: Advanced, Standard, and Natural Burial Ground. Each level represents different degrees of environmental commitment.

Certification is not required by law. Cemeteries choose to pursue it voluntarily to demonstrate their environmental values. The process involves submitting detailed documentation about land management, showing how the cemetery protects natural areas and manages water resources. Cemetery staff must also demonstrate knowledge of sustainable practices and commit to ongoing compliance with the standards.

The certification covers multiple aspects of cemetery operations. This includes restrictions on embalming chemicals, requirements about casket materials, policies on monuments and memorials, and management of the grounds themselves. A certified cemetery must also provide information to families about these practices so people can make informed decisions about burial options.

Practical takeaway: When researching cemeteries, asking whether a facility holds Green Burial Council certification can help you understand what environmental practices they follow. You can verify a cemetery's certification status by visiting the Green Burial Council's website, which maintains a searchable directory of all certified locations.

Understanding the Three Certification Levels

The Green Burial Council offers three distinct certification tiers, each representing different environmental standards. Understanding these levels helps you recognize what commitments a particular cemetery has made. The levels are not ranked as "better" or "worse," but rather represent different approaches to green burial practices.

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The Natural Burial Ground certification represents the highest environmental standard. Cemeteries at this level must preserve the landscape in its natural state as much as possible. Graves are marked with native plants, stones from the property, or simple natural markers. No embalming is permitted, and caskets or shrouds must be biodegradable, made from materials like bamboo, cardboard, or untreated wood. These cemeteries typically prohibit mowing and landscaping that would disrupt the natural environment. Many Natural Burial Ground certified cemeteries look more like nature preserves than traditional manicured cemetery grounds.

The Standard certification level allows more flexibility while still maintaining strong environmental commitments. Cemeteries at this level must prohibit or severely restrict embalming chemicals. Caskets must still be biodegradable, but the cemetery has more latitude in how it manages the landscape. Some mowing and maintenance is permitted, though the cemetery must use sustainable practices. Standard certified cemeteries may allow more traditional-looking grave markers while still maintaining environmental responsibility.

The Advanced certification sits between Standard and Natural Burial Ground levels. These cemeteries implement many environmental practices but may not meet the strictest requirements of Natural Burial Ground certification. They might allow some types of non-biodegradable monuments or use certain maintenance practices that Natural Burial Ground cemeteries would not permit. Advanced certification cemeteries often represent a compromise between environmental goals and families' desires for more traditional cemetery aesthetics.

Practical takeaway: Consider what certification level aligns with your values. If maximum environmental protection is your priority, seek Natural Burial Ground certified cemeteries. If you want environmental responsibility but also appreciate traditional memorial options, Standard or Advanced certified locations may suit your preferences better.

Environmental Standards and Practices Required

Green Burial Council certified cemeteries must follow specific environmental standards that address land management, chemical use, and resource protection. These standards exist because conventional cemetery practices can create environmental problems. Understanding these requirements shows what makes a cemetery "green."

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Chemical management is a core requirement. Traditional cemeteries often use pesticides and herbicides extensively to maintain perfect-looking grass. Certified cemeteries must minimize or eliminate chemical use. Some cemeteries eliminate these chemicals entirely, while others use them only in limited, controlled ways. The goal is to prevent chemicals from contaminating groundwater and soil. This means the cemetery may look less manicured than conventional facilities, but the environmental benefit is significant. Instead of chemicals, certified cemeteries manage vegetation through mowing, manual removal, or by allowing natural plant growth.

Water management represents another important environmental focus. Certified cemeteries must protect water resources from contamination. This means considering how rainwater moves through the cemetery and ensuring that burial practices do not compromise groundwater quality. Some certified cemeteries conduct soil testing to monitor conditions. They may also implement practices like rain gardens or wetland areas that naturally filter water. These practices protect both the cemetery's water quality and water resources that extend beyond the property.

Land management practices at certified cemeteries differ from traditional approaches. Natural Burial Ground certified cemeteries often allow native plants to grow, creating habitat for wildlife. Instead of the uniform grass typical of conventional cemeteries, you might see meadows, trees, and shrubs. This approach benefits pollinators like bees and butterflies. The landscape becomes a functioning ecosystem rather than just a manicured lawn. Some certified cemeteries have become recognized habitats for rare plants or bird species.

Cremation policies also reflect environmental considerations. Some certified cemeteries restrict full-body burials and encourage cremation, since cremation uses fewer land resources. Others accommodate both options. The standards recognize that different families have different preferences and aim to support environmentally conscious choices within reasonable bounds.

Practical takeaway: Ask certified cemeteries specifically about their chemical use, water management, and landscape practices. Request information about soil testing or environmental monitoring they conduct. This helps you understand whether a particular cemetery's practices match your environmental values.

What You Cannot Find in Certified Cemeteries

Knowing what certified cemeteries prohibit or restrict is important for understanding what to expect. These restrictions reflect the environmental commitments that define green burial practices. Different certification levels have different restrictions, but all exclude certain traditional cemetery practices.

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Embalming presents a significant difference. In conventional cemeteries, embalming is standard practice. Embalmers use formaldehyde-based chemicals to preserve bodies, which can leak into soil and groundwater over time. Natural Burial Ground certified cemeteries prohibit embalming entirely. Standard and Advanced certified cemeteries severely restrict it or prohibit it completely. Families choosing burial in certified cemeteries typically arrange direct burial without embalming, meaning the body is placed in the ground shortly after death with minimal processing.

Traditional caskets made with metal hardware, chemical-treated wood, or plastic linings are not permitted in certified cemeteries. Instead, families may choose biodegradable caskets made from materials like woven willow, bamboo, cardboard, or untreated wood. Some families use burial shrouds made from natural fiber cloth. These materials decompose naturally and do not contaminate soil. The casket or shroud simplicity also reduces costs compared to traditional options.

Grave liners and burial vaults common in conventional cemeteries are typically prohibited or discouraged in certified facilities. These items, made from concrete or plastic, prevent the body from returning to the soil. In certified cemeteries, the goal is to allow natural decomposition and soil integration. Some cemeteries allow permeable barriers that protect the grave from disruption but still allow eventual decomposition.

Monument and memorial styles are restricted in many certified cemeteries, particularly Natural Burial Ground facilities. Granite headstones, elaborate statues, and permanent decorations are not permitted. Instead, graves may be marked with native plants, small natural stones, GPS coordinates, or simple plaques. This approach maintains the natural landscape aesthetic and prevents the cemetery from becoming a collection of individual monuments.

Pesticide and herbicide use is eliminated or severely minimized, as noted earlier. This means families should expect a different visual appearance than conventional cemeteries. The grounds may look less perfectly maintained, with native wildflowers, grasses, and plants visible. This represents environmental choice rather than poor maintenance.

Practical takeaway: Before selecting a certified cemetery, discuss specific restrictions with the staff. If you have strong preferences for traditional caskets, elaborate monuments, or other conventional cemetery features, verify that the cemetery's restrictions align with your needs and desires.

How to Find and Verify Green Burial Council Certified Cemeteries