Green burial practices are a growing movement worldwide, focusing on environmentally sustainable and natural end-of-life options. Organizations across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia are paving the way for these eco-friendly alternatives. Below, we provide a detailed guide to key organizations and lesser-known initiatives, along with an FAQ section to answer common questions.
Green Burial Associations in the United States
The United States has a robust network of green burial organizations and initiatives. In addition to the nationally recognized Green Burial Council, many regional and local groups are making strides in advocating for eco-friendly burial practices.
U.S. Green Burial Organizations by Region
| Region | Organization | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast | Green Burial Massachusetts, Inc. | Advocates for natural burial practices and supports the establishment of green burial grounds throughout Massachusetts. |
| Vermont Forest Cemetery | Offers natural burial options within a conserved forest setting, promoting ecological sustainability in Vermont. | |
| Penn Forest Natural Burial Park | Provides natural burial services in Pennsylvania, with a focus on sustainability and wildlife habitat preservation. | |
| Green Burial New Jersey | Works with local providers to expand natural burial options throughout New Jersey. | |
| Midwest | Driftless Green Burial Alliance | Encourages green burial practices in the Driftless Area of Wisconsin, focusing on conservation and sustainability. |
| Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery | Integrates green burial with land conservation practices in Florida, demonstrating the harmony between natural burials and ecological preservation. | |
| Green Burial Council Midwest | Supports and certifies green burial providers in states like Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio. | |
| South | Natural State Burial Association Arkansas | Promotes natural burial options and works to establish green burial sites within Arkansas. |
| Congregation Beth Israel Green Burial Initiative | Offers green burial options in Texas, aligned with Jewish traditions and ecological principles. | |
| Georgia Green Burial Council | Provides education and support to cemeteries and funeral homes in Georgia, enabling them to offer natural burial practices. | |
| West | Green Burial Council of Boulder County | Advocates for and provides resources on green burial practices within Boulder County, Colorado. |
| Ash Tree Green Burial | Supports the development and use of green burial sites in California, promoting eco-friendly end-of-life options. | |
| Natural Path Sanctuary | Located in Oregon, this green burial ground is part of a forest conservation effort. |
Green Burial Associations in Canada
Canada has seen an increase in green burial sites and organizations dedicated to sustainable funeral practices. The Green Burial Society of Canada is the leading national organization promoting environmentally responsible burials.
- Green Burial Society of Canada (GBSC): Certifies green burial providers and offers a directory of approved cemeteries and funeral homes across the country.
Provincial Organizations in Canada
| Province | Organization | Description |
|---|---|---|
| British Columbia | Green Burial BC Initiative | Supports eco-friendly burial options and advocates for the development of more natural burial sites. |
| Ontario | Natural Burial Association | A non-profit organization promoting natural burial grounds throughout Ontario. |
| Nova Scotia | Green Burial Nova Scotia | Advocates for natural burial practices in Nova Scotia, connecting families with local resources. |
Green Burial in the United Kingdom
The UK has been a pioneer in green burial practices, with a range of organizations supporting environmentally friendly burials.
- Natural Death Centre (NDC): An educational charity supporting families in planning natural burials. It operates the Association of Natural Burial Grounds (ANBG), which provides a directory of approved burial sites.
- Natural Burial Alliance (NBA): A network of professionals advocating for sustainable funeral practices across the UK.
- Arbory Trust: Manages woodland burial sites in Cambridgeshire, offering eco-friendly alternatives to traditional interment.
Green Burial in Australia
Australia’s green burial movement is growing, with organizations focusing on combining conservation with burial practices.
- Green Burial Council Australia: Certifies providers committed to natural burial practices and ecological preservation.
- Natural Grace: Based in Victoria, this organization provides natural body care and burial options.
- Sacred Earth Funerals: Offers green burial services and biodegradable products for families seeking eco-friendly options.
