Green Burials in California: A Complete Family Guide for 2025
The way we honor our departed loved ones is changing. Across California, families are increasingly choosing green burial options that reflect their environmental values while creating meaningful memorials. At Farrington Mortuary, we've seen requests for eco-friendly arrangements grow by over 300% in recent years, signaling a profound shift in how Californians approach end-of-life planning.
This guide explores everything you need to know about green burials in the Golden State, helping you make informed decisions that honor both your loved ones and our planet.
What Makes a Burial "Green"?
Green burial, also known as natural burial, represents a return to traditional practices that work with nature rather than against it. Unlike conventional burials that rely on chemical preservation and non-biodegradable materials, green burial embraces the natural cycle of life and death.
Core principles include:
Chemical-free preservation using refrigeration instead of toxic embalming fluids
Biodegradable materials for caskets, shrouds, and burial containers
Natural settings that preserve or restore native ecosystems
Minimal land disturbance without concrete vaults or elaborate monuments
Family participation in meaningful, personalized ceremonies
The environmental impact is significant: traditional burials consume over 5 million gallons of embalming fluid annually and enough metal caskets to build the Golden Gate Bridge every year.
California's Pioneering Green Burial Options
California leads the nation in progressive end-of-life alternatives, offering families multiple paths to eco-conscious farewell:
Natural Ground Burial
Dedicated green cemeteries throughout California provide peaceful settings where bodies rest in biodegradable containers without chemical preservation. These spaces often double as wildlife sanctuaries, with native wildflowers and trees serving as living memorials instead of stone monuments.
Human Composting: The Newest Option
Since legalizing human composting in 2022, California has embraced this innovative process that transforms remains into nutrient-rich soil over 30 days. Families can use this soil in memorial gardens or donate it to conservation projects, creating lasting environmental benefits.
Water Cremation: The Gentle Alternative
Alkaline hydrolysis, or "aquamation," uses water, heat, and natural alkalines to accelerate decomposition. This process uses 90% less energy than flame cremation and produces no direct emissions, making it an increasingly popular choice for environmentally conscious families.
Conservation Burial: Protecting Land Forever
Some California green cemeteries operate as permanent conservation areas, protecting natural habitats while providing meaningful resting places. These locations often feature hiking trails and educational programs, creating spaces where families can connect with nature while honoring their loved ones.
Navigating California's Legal Landscape
Understanding California's regulations ensures smooth arrangements while maintaining your green burial preferences:
Essential requirements include:
Death certificates must be filed by licensed funeral directors regardless of burial method
Bodies require refrigeration if burial occurs more than 24 hours after death
Green burial is restricted to licensed cemeteries or properly permitted private property
Conservation easements protect many green burial grounds from future development
California's progressive stance makes it one of the easiest states for families choosing eco-friendly arrangements.
Where to Find Green Burial in California
The state offers diverse locations catering to different preferences and budgets:
Northern California Options:
Fernwood Cemetery (Mill Valley) - Stunning redwood setting with ocean views
Forever Fernwood Natural Burial Ground (Mill Valley) - Dedicated conservation area
Sacramento Memorial Lawn (Sacramento) - Affordable option in the Central Valley
Central California Locations:
Edendale Cemetery (Los Gatos) - Silicon Valley's premier green option
Oak Hill Memorial Park (San Jose) - Mixed conventional and green sections
Southern California Sites:
Joshua Tree Memorial Park (Joshua Tree) - Desert landscape preservation
Hollywood Forever Cemetery (Los Angeles) - Historic cemetery with green sections
El Camino Memorial Park (San Diego) - Coastal location with conservation focus
Always verify specific practices with individual cemeteries, as "green" standards can vary. Look for Green Burial Council certification as a quality indicator.
Understanding the Investment
Green burial costs vary significantly based on location and services, but many families find them more affordable than traditional options:
Basic green burial: $3,000-$6,000 (biodegradable container, transportation, plot)
Conservation burial: $7,000-$12,000 (includes land preservation contribution)
Human composting: $5,000-$7,000 (facility fees and processing)
Water cremation: $1,500-$3,000 (most affordable green option)
These figures exclude memorial services, which can be customized separately based on family traditions and budget.
Smart Planning Strategies
Advance planning becomes especially important with green burial due to limited availability and specific requirements:
Essential steps include:
Research thoroughly - Visit potential locations to understand their practices and atmosphere
Document your preferences - Create detailed advance directives specifying green burial wishes
Engage your family - Ensure loved ones understand and support your choices
Consider pre-arrangements - Lock in current pricing while ensuring transferability if you relocate
Choose an advocate - Designate someone committed to carrying out your wishes
Common Questions Answered
Is embalming required in California? No. California law accepts refrigeration as an alternative to embalming, making green burial fully legal statewide.
Can I arrange home burial on private property? While technically possible, home burial requires extensive permits and ongoing maintenance responsibilities. Most families find dedicated green cemeteries more practical and legally secure.
How are graves marked in green cemeteries? Modern green cemeteries use GPS technology for precise location tracking, combined with natural markers like native plants, memorial trees, or flat fieldstones that blend with the landscape.
Do religious traditions conflict with green burial? Many faiths actually prefer green burial practices. Jewish and Islamic traditions have long emphasized simple, natural burial without chemical preservation, making green burial an ideal choice for these communities.
What if I move out of state after pre-arranging? Research providers with transferable contracts or consider national green burial networks. Some arrangements can be transferred; others may require modifications.
The Future Looks Bright
California's commitment to environmental stewardship continues expanding green burial options. Anticipated developments for 2025 and beyond include:
Additional green cemeteries opening statewide to meet growing demand
Enhanced human composting infrastructure as the practice gains acceptance
Integration of digital memorialization with traditional green burial practices
Innovation in biodegradable burial materials and containers
Hybrid cemeteries offering both conventional and green options
The environmental benefits are undeniable: each green burial prevents the release of toxic chemicals while potentially contributing to habitat restoration and carbon sequestration.
Choosing Your Partner in Green Burial
When selecting a green burial provider, prioritize these essential qualities:
Transparent pricing with detailed breakdowns and no hidden fees
Authentic green practices with clear explanations of environmental benefits
Proper credentials including all required licenses and certifications
Specialized experience in eco-friendly arrangements and natural burial
Values alignment ensuring your provider shares your environmental commitment
At Farrington Mortuary, we recognize that every family's journey is unique. Our experienced team provides personalized guidance through all available green options, ensuring your final arrangements authentically reflect your values while providing comfort to those you leave behind.
Taking the Next Step
Exploring green burial options doesn't have to feel overwhelming. Whether you're planning ahead for yourself or making arrangements for a loved one, professional guidance makes the process manageable and meaningful.
We invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation where our compassionate team can answer your specific questions about green burial options, discuss pricing transparently, and help you understand how these choices align with your family's values and budget.
Your final arrangements should tell your story while contributing to the world you want to leave behind. Green burial offers that opportunity, combining personal meaning with environmental stewardship in a way that honors both life and death as natural parts of our shared human experience.