The Costs of Green Burial vs. Traditional Burials

Planning a funeral, whether it’s for a loved one who has recently passed, or your own for when the time comes, is an extremely difficult time. Making decisions when under the weight of grief can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to financing everything that goes into a funeral. 

More and more, people are recognizing the benefits of green burials, also called natural burials. If you’re environmentally conscious or simply want to reduce the overall costs of a burial, this may be an alternative to traditional burials to consider.

What is the Difference Between a Green and Traditional Burial?
For anyone who isn’t familiar with what a green burial is, some distinguishing features of a natural burial include:

• No embalming fluids are used to preserve the body
• Burial plot is located on naturally preserved grounds rather than in a cemetery
• The body is wrapped in a shroud rather than dressed in clothing
• There is no need for a casket or burial vault

The Costs of a Green Burial
When you choose a green burial, a significant benefit is the fact that you can forego many of the superfluous items associated with a traditional burial; however, there are some costs that go into a green burial, including:

• The Burial Plot – $1,000 - $4,000
• Burial Clothing – $150 - $400
• Burial Vessel – $150 - $1,600
• Death Certificate: $10 - $40
• Flowers – $100 - $300
• Service – $150 - $300

Total: $1,560 - $6,640

With a green burial, the biggest expense is often the plot itself, which will depend on where the plot is located, the endowment fees for the natural area, and other factors. The burial clothing is often a shroud made of a biodegradable material, but if you choose traditional clothing made of biological materials, that could increase that cost. Many people do choose a burial vessel or casket, but it is made of bamboo, cardboard, or other natural material rather than treated wood or metal. There are also other miscellaneous costs involved if you choose, such as an officiant who can speak at the service, flowers, and other items to personalize the ceremony.

The Costs of a Traditional Burial
Some of the costs associated with a traditional burial, which takes place in a cemetery and typically involves working with a funeral home, include:

• Cemetery Costs – $2,500 - $4,500
• Casket – $2,000 - $5,000
• Burial Vault – $500 - $2500
• Headstone & Installation – $100 - $5,000
• Funeral Home Services - $2,000 - $8,000

Total: $7,100 - $25,000

Cemetery costs can be further broken down into service fees and the opening and closing of the grave (digging the plot and covering it back up). Funeral home services include things like transfering the remains, preparing the body, transportation rentals, and other items. The cost of a traditional burial can vary greatly depending on the location and materials and items chosen.

Choose EverAfterly For Your Green Burial Plot
Ultimately, the cost of a green burial is considerably less than a traditional burial. At EverAfterly, the burial plots at our Morgan Oaks Eternal Preserve ranges from $900 to $3,360, depending on whether you want a full plot or a cremation plot. Whichever you choose, we are passionate about protecting our environment for future generations, and providing a final resting place you can feel good about. 

Learn more about EverAfterly, and contact us if you have any questions.

https://nfda.org/news/statistics
https://www.lhlic.com/consumer-resources/average-funeral-cost/