If you’re learning about green burial and natural burial, you may wonder if there are any differences between these terms. In most contexts, they mean the same thing: returning the body to the earth using biodegradable materials, without conventional embalming or a burial vault. Both allow for a simple return to nature, allowing the body to become part of the living landscape once again. The language can become confusing because “Green Burial” is sometimes used broadly to describe other options such as terramation (aka human composting) and aquamation (aka water cremation) . When discussing eco-friendly options that do not involve burying a body, “Green Funerals” or “Green Death Care” are more accurate terms. What is Natural Burial Natural burial is the practice of allowing the body to decompose naturally in the earth. With minimal intervention, the body’s nutrients return to the earth through the work of naturally occurring decomposition. Though practices vary by cemetery, you’ll generally see natural and green burial outlined as: Avoiding conventional embalming or toxic preservation fluids. Forgoing vaults or concrete liners. Using caskets or shrouds made of renewable, natural, & biodegradable materials. Choosing simple natural markers that complement the landscape. The surrounding landscape may look different from a conventional cemetery, too. In some natural burial grounds, native grasses, wildflowers, and trees take the place of meticulously manicured lawns. A natural burial can take place in: An uncertified natural burial ground or cemetery. A Green Burial Council-certified cemetery. A hybrid cemetery- a conventional cemetery that allows natural burial in dedicated sections. Private property burial may also be an option in some locations, depending on state and local requirements. In California, in limited rural areas, a small private or family cemetery can be established through strict licensing and approvals. You can learn more about establishing a private cemetery here. Is Green Burial Different from Natural Burial? In most cases, no. Both terms describe a full-body burial that allows for natural decomposition in the earth. The use of the term “natural” emphasizes the process of returning to the earth with limited intervention, while “green” emphasizes environmental considerations. The priorities go hand in hand: simpler burial materials and fewer interventions allow for a more eco-friendly and direct return to the earth. The key distinction here is the word burial. Aquamation, Cremation, and Terramation are not forms of burial, but dispositions that reduce the body with an alkaline solution, fire, or natural decomposition. They transform the body in a controlled environment before returning the resulting remains to the earth. Cremation and aquamation produce remains from bones, commonly called “ashes”, while terramation produces “soil” or compost (you’ll also hear the term reduced remains- we cover this in this post about terramation terminology here ). Families may choose to bury or scatter these remains, but this is a separate step. With natural and green burial, the body’s transformation takes place within the earth. Green Burial and Green Death Care You’ll see that “green burial” is occasionally used interchangeably with “green death care”. However, green death care is an umbrella term for environmentally conscious funeral options, and green and natural burial fall underneath this umbrella. Aquamation and terramation are separate processes that can also fall within green death care. Think of green death care as a broad spectrum- caring for someone after death while considering the resources used, materials left behind, and the impact on the environment. Green death care can encompass both disposition choices and individual practices, including: Natural or green burial. Aquamation (water cremation). Terramation (human composting). Full-body burial at sea using appropriate biodegradable materials. Choosing simpler, biodegradable funeral products. Avoiding conventional embalming or choosing less toxic body-care options when preparation is desired. Reducing the environmental impact of conventional services through changes in materials, transportation, or energy use. Supporting carbon-offset projects. What Does Green Burial Certification Mean? The Green Burial Council has different certification standards for cemeteries, funeral homes and products. Certification provides a framework for evaluating specific practices and helping families understand what a provider offers. For cemetery certification, cemeteries undergo an evaluation and are scored based on outlined criteria. It is important to note that the Green Burial Council does not conduct compliance checks after initial certification. Certification can help families find providers and compare their practices. However, Green Burial Council certification is voluntary and not required to arrange a natural burial. An uncertified cemetery may still allow a burial that follows natural burial practices. See a beautiful example of a Los Angeles’ family’s experience of natural burial here . LifeSource had the honor of guiding this family in preparing a natural burial for their loved one, Maria. LifeSource had the honor of guiding this family in preparing a natural burial for their loved one, Maria. Her wishes were inspired by the simplicity of Jewish burial traditions and the meaning she found in returning directly to the earth. Her story illustrates how natural burial can reflect both personal beliefs and a connection to nature. Considering Green or Natural Burial in Southern California? Whether you are planning ahead or caring for someone who has died, LifeSource can help you explore a return to the earth that reflects your values. Our team can explain natural burial arrangements, discuss available cemetery options, and help you understand each step. Exploring other paths? LifeSource offers the following dispositions: Terramation Aquamation Flame Cremation Burial at Sea Natural Burial (covered here)
Though the principles are the same, loved ones undergoing terramation and kitchen or yard trimmings undergoing composting are on very different paths. First and foremost, loved ones are cared for with respect and dignity throughout the entire terramation , or human composting, process. With our partner, Return Home , there is ceremony, caretaking, opportunities for family participation, and a deliberate focus on upholding respect and dignity. While the biological principles are the same, here is a breakdown of how terramation differs from composting garden and kitchen materials. Shared Principles Both processes rely on microorganisms to transform organic matter into compost. A balance of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and moisture supports microbial activity. Facilities Backyard composting, or even large-scale composting, typically happens outdoors, in a pile, bin, or tumbler. The pace of decomposition depends on the materials, pile size, and how the pile is maintained. Return Home has a dedicated indoor facility with individual vessels for each person. Though timelines vary slightly by individual, the process is monitored and controlled. This design maintains dignity and respect for the decedent and supports the human side of death care. Families can participate in farewell rituals, called laying-in ceremonies , and visit during the terramation process. Their loved one’s vessel can become a place of remembrance, decorated with photographs and meaningful items. Organic Materials Home compost bins begin with a variety of organic material, from food scraps to yard trimmings. Return Home uses a curated mixture of straw, alfalfa, and sawdust in the vessel. Families may also add favorite foods or other meaningful, compostable items. These organic materials fuel the microorganisms that carry out the transformation. Vessels Backyard and home compost bins often continually receive new organic material throughout the process. At Return Home, each person is placed in an individual vessel with all of the organic materials that support terramation. The vessel remains closed during the initial transformation, rather than receiving ongoing additions of organic material. The Process Home composters turn their compost with tools like compost screws, pitchforks, or rotate a tumbler to mix and maintain airflow. At Return Home, there are no mechanisms inside the vessel that mix, rotate, or mechanically reduce materials. The vessel is removed from its holding place and brought to a designated piece of equipment that gently rotates it without ever opening the vessel. After the body’s soft tissue fully decomposes, the remaining bones are mechanically reduced in a separate process outside the original vessel. The reduced skeletal remains are reintroduced to the compost material in a separate second vessel, where microorganisms complete the transformation into soil. Temperature Home compost systems seldom sustain the high temperatures needed to reduce harmful pathogens. This is why it is generally advised not to add meat or animal products to your home compost system. These systems typically lack the volume of organic material needed to generate and retain sufficient heat for the necessary amount of time. However, at Return Home, the vessels reach temperatures above the minimum of 131 degrees Fahrenheit and can reach as high as 160 degrees. They can sustain those temperatures well beyond the minimum 72 consecutive hours required to achieve acceptable pathogen reduction, creating composted remains that can be safely handled and used around your family and pets or scattered in nature. Monitoring A home composter might judge compost by its appearance or temperature. During terramation, temperature provides information about microbial activity and the progress of the process. Return Home constantly monitors airflow into the vessel and vessel temperature to ensure pathogen reduction temperatures are met, and to determine when the material is ready to move to the next stage. Initially, temperatures spike after each time a vessel is rotated. Once the temperature stops spiking after rotation, this signals that the microbes have transformed all the organic material into compost. Aftercare Finished home compost is used to improve soil and support plant growth. Terramated remains can serve this same purpose while also carrying profound significance as a memorial when returned to nature. Families use the remains to nourish memorial gardens or other meaningful plants or and landscapes. Families can also choose to receive as little or as much of the remains as they would like. Any remains not returned to loved ones are used to support conservation efforts. Understanding the connection between home composting and terramation can make this option easier to understand. But terramation also encompasses something deeply human: caring for a person after death, supporting those who love them, and creating opportunities for remembrance. At LifeSource, we’re here to answer your questions about terramation and help you explore whether it fits your wishes. Considering Terramation, or Human Composting, in Los Angeles? Learn more about LifeSource's services or contact our team to discuss your options. Considering or exploring other options? LifeSource offers the following dispositions: Terramation (covered here) Aquamation Flame Cremation Burial at Sea Natural Burial
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