Are Natural Burials an Option in Minnesota?

Natural burials are an option in Minnesota. The state has several natural and hybrid burial grounds, and Interra Green Burial by Mueller Memorial is certified by the Green Burial Council to provide this service. Although there was a two-year moratorium issued in 2023 on creating new green cemeteries for further study, natural burials can still be performed. The moratorium results are expected in 2025, when it is set to expire.

What is Flameless Cremation?

Flameless cremation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis or water cremation, is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional flame cremation. This process uses a combination of water flow, temperature, and alkalinity to accelerate natural tissue disintegration, resulting in cremated remains that can be buried, kept in an urn, placed at a conservation tree, or scattered.

How Does Flameless Cremation Work?

In flameless cremation, the body is placed in a pressure vessel and submerged in a solution of 95% water and 5% potassium hydroxide and/or sodium hydroxide. The vessel is heated to 200-300 degrees Fahrenheit, which is lower than the temperatures used in traditional flame cremations.

Is Flameless Cremation Environmentally Friendly?

Flameless cremation is significantly more environmentally friendly than traditional methods. It uses lower temperatures, does not burn propane or natural gas, and reduces carbon emissions.

Is Flameless Cremation Safe and Legal?

Flameless cremation is both safe and legal. It ensures environmentally responsible handling of remains, allows for the extraction and recycling of medical implants, and has been legal in Minnesota since its endorsement by the Mayo Clinic for its ecological benefits and efficient handling of medical implants.

How Much Does Flameless Cremation Cost?

The cost of flameless cremation varies by location and funeral home but is generally comparable to or slightly higher than traditional cremation. The specialized equipment and reduced environmental impact often justify the cost for many families.

What is a Natural Burial?

A natural burial is an eco-friendly funeral practice that allows the body to return to the earth in an environmentally conscious manner. It minimizes the use of chemicals, like embalming fluids, and avoids materials like concrete used in traditional burial vaults. By forgoing these practices, natural burial conserves resources, prevents pollution, and reduces carbon footprint.

What is a Natural Burial Option?

Natural burial options include choices for an eco-friendly burial, such as using natural burial caskets, selecting a green burial site, or integrating cremated remains into natural burial grounds.

What is a Natural Burial Cemetery?

A natural burial cemetery, like Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery, is specifically designed for natural burials. These cemeteries have minimal environmental impact and often resemble natural landscapes rather than traditional cemeteries.

How Many Burials Do Not Involve Embalming?

This leaves 885,320 burials with possible embalming. According to former Green Burial Council President, Ed Bixby it's estimated that 8% of people choose green burials. (3) Whether that includes those people buried without embalming in the Jewish and Muslim traditions, he did not specify, but if we're generous and say it is 8% of people already choosing burial and are in addition to Jewish and Muslim burials, that would subtract another 70,825 from annual embalmings. This would mean, in the United States there are an estimated 814,500 burials with embalming per year.

How Many Gallons Of Embalming Fluid Are Used Per Person?

Roughly three gallons are used. What percentage of that is formaldehyde depends on the practitioner and what someone considers “embalming fluid”. Rarely, practitioners will use undiluted embalming solution, but the vast majority use a diluted solution.

What Is Embalming Fluid Made Of?

There are generally 16oz of concentrated embalming solution diluted with 112 oz of water to create one gallon of usable embalming fluid. So, each gallon of commonly used embalming fluid is more than 87.5% water. Each manufacturer has a proprietary formula to their 16oz concentrated embalming solution, but according to manufacturer, Dodge's Safety Data Sheet (10) for their commonly used Metasyn Normal concentrated embalming solution, 1.6-4 oz. (10-25%) is formaldehyde, a regulated carcinogen. Other regulated substances included are up to 0.8 oz each of methanol and propylene glycol, neither of which is a regulated carcinogen.

How Much Embalming Fluid Is Used Per Body?

There is a broad rule of thumb that one gallon of embalming fluid is used per 50 pounds of body weight. But the amount of embalming fluid used also depends on the size of the person. In practice, it generally works out to an average of about 3 gallons of embalming fluid per body, of which up to 12 oz is formaldehyde.

How Many Gallons Of Embalming Fluid Are Buried Each Year In The US?

Each year an estimated 2,443,500 gallons of embalming fluid are buried in the United States. This amount is reached from an estimated 814,500 burials with embalming per year, times three gallons per body. Of those 2,443,500 gallons of embalming fluid used, there are generally up to 4 oz of formaldehyde per gallon, which means roughly 97,740 gallons of formaldehyde are buried with embalmed bodies in the US each year.

Is Green Burial Legal in Minnesota?

Yes, green burial in Minnesota is legal. The state allows for natural burials, where the body is not embalmed and can be buried in a biodegradable coffin or shroud. Minnesota hosts several green cemeteries and allows hybrid cemeteries, which accommodate both traditional and green burials.

Is Green Burial Legal in Arizona?

Snow birds might like to know that Arizona also permits green burials. The state's regulations support eco-friendly burial practices, including the use of biodegradable materials and the option to forgo embalming. This makes Arizona an accommodating place for those wishing to opt for a green burial.

Is Green Burial Illegal in Minnesota Now?

Because of a green burial law that passed in Minnesota in 2022 some people think that green burial is illegal in MN, which is incorrect. As part of the Omnibus bill that passed in 2023 there was a small piece of legislation with a bigger impact, but it did not make green burial illegal in Minnesota. What it did do is create a moratorium on new green burial cemeteries through 2025 when the law is set to expire.

Why Did the Moratorium Happen?

A small group of citizens in Northern Minnesota were upset about a green burial cemetery being established in their community and their concerns turned into legislation requiring the state to fund and study the impact of all-natural burial. It also prohibited any new green cemeteries or conservation burial grounds until July 2025. Being that green burial was the form of disposition for every interred human in history until embalming became popularized during the Civil War, we're confident that allowing a body to naturally return to the Earth will be found to be safe.

Can I Bury Someone In My Yard?

It depends on local ordinances and how much work you're willing to do. In Minnesota, if you want to bury a human body on private land, that land has to be identified as cemetery property in perpetuity. This also means that cemetery land would need to a permitted land use in your city's code and also that specific funding needs to be set aside to maintain that cemetery land in perpetuity.

What is Body Composting?

Body composting, or human composting, is a process that transforms human remains into highly regenerative soil, often used in tree planting, conservation projects, gardens, or woodlands. It's part of a broader movement towards green burial services, including natural burials and other ecological burial practices. Unlike traditional burials, body composting is an environmentally friendly method that avoids the use of embalming fluids, metal caskets, concrete burial vaults, and perpetual land use.

How Does Body Composting Work?

The human composting process, scientifically referred to as natural organic reduction (NOR), involves placing the human body in a vessel with organic materials like wood chips, straw, and alfalfa. Over a span of several weeks, natural microbial activity breaks down the tissue, transforming it into a cubic yard of nutrient dense compost. This method mirrors the natural aerobic (oxygen using) decomposition process but occurs in a controlled environment. Though each NOR provider has their own specific method, Lynne Carpenter-Boggs, chair of the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences at Washington State University, has worked with NOR advocate Katrina Spade pioneering the development and refinement the human composting process. The body, along with the organic materials and air flow, undergoes a natural, heat-producing process that accelerates decomposition while eliminating pathogens and capturing the body's carbon. The end product is a nutrient-rich soil that can support plant growth, allowing the deceased to be returned to the earth in a meaningful way.

Is Body Composting Legal?

The legality of body composting varies by location. In the United States, it was first legalized in Washington state, setting a precedent for other states to follow. Since then, other states have been considering or have passed legislation to allow this process as a part of green burials.

What are the Benefits of Body Composting?

Body composting offers several benefits over conventional burial and cremation methods: Environmental Impact: Traditional burials often involve embalming fluids, and the manufacturing and transportation of caskets and vaults which carry a carbon footprint. Cremation consumes fuel and releases greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, local body composting produces no direct carbon emissions, sequesters the carbon from the body in the soil keeping it from entering the atmosphere, and requires significantly fewer consumable resources. Conservation: The process transforms human remains into soil that can be used to nourish the earth. It's a way of giving back to the environment, contributing to the growth of plants and the conservation of natural spaces. Cost-Effective: The human composting cost can be lower than traditional burials or cremations. While prices vary, local NOR providers are often considered a more affordable green funeral option. Emotional and Spiritual Benefits: For many, the idea of being laid to rest in a natural and meaningful way is comforting, helping to create a positive outcome from the end of their life. The process of human composting aligns with the beliefs of those who seek the continuity of simply returning to the earth. Space Conservation: In areas where burial space is limited or land is scarce, body composting offers a space-efficient alternative whole-body burial. The composted remains can return to the earth without requiring that land be designated, in perpetuity, as cemetery land.

Why Support Body Composting?

Natural organic reduction not only aligns with the principles of environmental stewardship but also offers a deeply personal and meaningful option for being laid to rest. The transformation of human remains into soil is a profound process, symbolizing the cycle of life in a tangible way. As we continue to seek sustainable and meaningful ways to say goodbye to our loved ones, body composting stands out as a beacon of hope, offering a choice that is both respectful to the departed and kind to the planet.

How Does Water Cremation Work?

In water cremation, the body is placed in a vessel filled with a water and alkali solution. The liquid in the vessel is then heated, but at a drastically lower heat than used in flame cremation. The combination of the heat, fluid movement, water, and alkali breaks down the soft tissue, leaving behind the bone material and a sterile liquid.

What is Water Cremation and How Does It Differ from Flame Cremation?

Water cremation reduces a body using water and alkali, whereas flame cremation uses combustible fossil fuels. Flame cremation involves reducing the body at very high temperatures, and water cremation uses roughly five times less heat, but both result in processed bone material or “ashes,” being returned to the family in an urn or receptacle.

Is Water Cremation More Environmentally Friendly than Flame Cremation?

Water cremation is generally considered more environmentally friendly than traditional flame cremation. It uses electricity to heat the solution and doesn't directly emit fossil fuel exhaust into the atmosphere. Aquamation also captures the carbon from the body in the solution producing a sterile liquid that can safely be returned to the wastewater system.

Is Water Cremation More Expensive than Flame Cremation?

The cost of water cremation can vary depending on location and provider. In some cases, often it is more costly than traditional flame cremation due to the specialized equipment required and the longer processing time. However, at Interra Green Burial we want to encourage families to use this ecological cremation option, so an aquamation without services is less than Mueller Memorial's flame cremation.

CompassionateGuide to Planning Green Funerals

Scott Mueller • May 4, 2026

Compassionate Guide to Funeral Planning: Exploring Green Burial Services and Eco-Friendly Funeral Options for Meaningful Choices

Planning a funeral can be an emotionally challenging experience, especially when trying to honor a loved one's memory while considering environmental impacts. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of eco-friendly funeral options, including green burial services, human composting, and water cremation (alkaline hydrolysis). Readers will learn about the benefits of these sustainable practices, the steps involved in planning, and how to make meaningful choices that reflect their values. As more individuals seek to minimize their ecological footprint, understanding these options becomes increasingly important. This article will explore various aspects of green burial services, the human composting process, water cremation, and eco-friendly funeral products, providing a roadmap for those looking to plan a sustainable farewell.

Comprehensive Guide to Funeral Planning: Green Burial Services and Eco-Friendly Options

Eco-friendly funeral planning encompasses a range of practices designed to reduce environmental impact while honoring the deceased. Green burial services, for instance, focus on natural burial methods that avoid traditional embalming and non-biodegradable materials. These services often utilize biodegradable caskets or shrouds, allowing the body to decompose naturally and return to the earth. The importance of making meaningful choices in funeral planning cannot be overstated, as these decisions reflect the values and beliefs of both the deceased and their loved ones.

Understanding Green Burials

Green burials are a sustainable alternative to conventional burial practices, emphasizing environmental stewardship and simplicity. By opting for a green burial, families can ensure that their loved ones are laid to rest in a manner that supports local ecosystems and minimizes carbon footprints. This approach often involves using natural burial grounds, which are specifically designated for eco-friendly interments. The benefits of green burials extend beyond environmental considerations; they also provide a more personal and meaningful way to honor the deceased.

Further research highlights how natural burial practices can serve as a vital tool for land conservation and ecological preservation.

Natural Burial as Land Conservation

We address the research question ‘How is natural burial being used as a tool for land

Natural burial as a land conservation tool in the US, C Coutts, 2018

Types of Green Funeral Planning

There are several types of green funeral planning options available, each catering to different preferences and beliefs. These include:

Natural Burials: Involves burying the body in a biodegradable casket or shroud without embalming fluids.
Home Funerals: Families can care for the body at home, allowing for a more intimate farewell.
Memorial Services: These can be held in natural settings, such as parks or gardens, to celebrate life in a serene environment.

Each option allows families to create a unique and personalized farewell that aligns with their values.

Steps to Plan a Green Funeral

Planning a green funeral involves several key steps:

Research Options: Explore local green burial services and natural burial grounds.
Discuss Wishes: Have open conversations with family members about preferences and values.
Select a Provider: Choose a funeral home or service that specializes in eco-friendly practices.
Plan the Ceremony: Decide on the type of memorial service that reflects the deceased's life and values.

By following these steps, families can ensure that their loved one's final wishes are honored in a meaningful way.

Eco-Friendly Burial Options

Eco-friendly burial options include a variety of practices that prioritize sustainability. These options often feature biodegradable materials, such as:

Biodegradable Caskets: Made from materials like wicker, bamboo, or recycled cardboard.
Natural Shrouds: Simple fabric wraps that allow for natural decomposition.
Green Burial Grounds: Designated areas that support natural ecosystems and provide a serene resting place.

These choices not only reduce environmental impact but also create a lasting legacy that honors the deceased's values.

Costs of Green Burials

Understanding the costs associated with green burials is essential for families planning a sustainable funeral.

$4,000 - $8,000

Simple burial without embalming in a natural setting.

Home Funeral

$1,000 - $4,500

Family-led funeral services, often more affordable.

Biodegradable Casket

$400- $1,900

Caskets made from sustainable materials.

This comparison highlights the affordability and accessibility of green burial options, making them viable for many families.

What Are Green Burial Services and Their Environmental Benefits?

Green burial services focus on environmentally friendly practices that minimize the ecological impact of traditional funerals. These services often involve the use of biodegradable materials and natural burial grounds, which support local ecosystems. The environmental benefits of green burials include:

Reduced Carbon Footprint: By avoiding embalming and non-biodegradable materials, green burials significantly lower carbon emissions.
Support for Local Ecosystems: Natural burial grounds often promote biodiversity and protect local flora and fauna.
Sustainable Practices: Green burials encourage the use of renewable resources and sustainable materials.

These benefits make green burial services an appealing choice for environmentally conscious families.

How Does the Human Composting Process Offer a Sustainable Alternative?

Human composting, also known as natural organic reduction, is an innovative and sustainable alternative to traditional burial and cremation methods. This process involves transforming human remains into nutrient-rich soil through natural decomposition with the help of microbes in a controlled environment. The environmental impact of human composting is significantly lower than that of conventional methods, as it eliminates the need for harmful chemicals and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

What Is the Legal Status of Human Composting?

As of mid-2024, human composting is legal in several U.S. states including Washington, Colorado, Oregon, Vermont, and California, with more states considering legislation. The legal status of human composting varies by jurisdiction, and families interested in this option should consult local regulations to ensure compliance. Understanding the legal landscape is crucial for families considering this sustainable alternative.

The evolving legal landscape surrounding human remains disposition, including innovative methods like human composting, is a subject of ongoing discussion and legislative development.

Legal Framework for Human Remains Disposition

This Note focuses on the contemporary law of human remains in the United States and does not cover the history of indigenous burial traditions-a topic which deserves more thorough

Better Homes and Scattered Gardens: Why Iowa Should Legalize" Human Composting" as a Method of Final Disposition, 2020

How Can Families Arrange Human Composting Services?

Arranging human composting services involves several steps:

Research Providers: Identify local service providers that offer human composting.
Understand the Process: Familiarize yourself with how human composting works and what to expect.
Make Arrangements: Contact the chosen provider to discuss options and finalize arrangements.

By following these steps, families can ensure a smooth transition to this eco-friendly option.

What Are the Benefits and Process of Water Cremation?

Water cremation, or alkaline hydrolysis, is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cremation. This process uses water and an alkaline solution, typically potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide, combined with heat and agitation to break down the body, resulting in a smaller environmental footprint. The benefits of water cremation include:

Lower Emissions: Water cremation produces significantly fewer greenhouse gases compared to traditional cremation.
Resource Efficiency: This method uses less energy than conventional cremation processes, though it uses a significant amount of water.
Nutrient-Rich Byproduct: The process results in a sterile liquid that contains nutrients, which can be safely returned to the earth or treated according to local regulations.

These advantages make water cremation an appealing choice for families seeking sustainable end-of-life options.

How Does Water Cremation Reduce Environmental Impact?

Water cremation reduces environmental impact through several mechanisms:

Energy Efficiency: The process typically requires less energy than traditional flame-based cremation, resulting in lower carbon emissions.
No Harmful Emissions: Unlike traditional cremation, water cremation does not release harmful mercury or other pollutants into the atmosphere.
Sustainable Byproducts: The byproducts of water cremation can be safely returned to the environment or treated responsibly.

These factors contribute to the overall sustainability of water cremation as an end-of-life option.

Who Provides Water Cremation Services?

Water cremation services are offered by a growing number of funeral homes and specialized providers, primarily in regions where it has been legalized, such as several U.S. states including California, Colorado, and Oregon. Families interested in this option should look for providers who emphasize eco-friendly practices and have experience with water cremation. Researching local options and comparing services can help families find the right provider for their needs.

Which Eco-Friendly Funeral Products Support Sustainable Memorials?

Eco-friendly funeral products play a crucial role in sustainable memorials, allowing families to honor their loved ones while minimizing environmental impact. These products include:

Biodegradable Urns: Designed to break down naturally, these urns can be made from materials like bamboo, recycled paper, or salt.
Natural Caskets: Constructed from sustainable materials, these caskets support eco-friendly burial practices.
Living Memorials: Options such as planting a tree or creating a garden in memory of the deceased provide lasting tributes that benefit the environment.

These products not only support sustainable practices but also create meaningful memorials that reflect the values of the deceased.

What Are Biodegradable Urns and Caskets?

Biodegradable urns and caskets are designed to decompose naturally, allowing the body to return to the earth without harming the environment. These products are typically made from sustainable materials, such as:

Bamboo: A fast-growing, renewable resource that is both strong and lightweight.
Wicker: Made from natural fibers, wicker caskets are both beautiful and eco-friendly.
Recycled Paper: Some urns are crafted from recycled materials, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.

Choosing biodegradable options supports eco-friendly practices and honors the deceased's memory in a meaningful way.

How Do Eco-Friendly Memorials Honor Loved Ones?

Eco-friendly memorials provide a unique way to honor loved ones while promoting sustainability. These memorials can take various forms, including:

Planting Trees: Creating a living memorial that contributes to the environment.
Gardens: Establishing a garden in memory of the deceased can provide a peaceful space for reflection.
Personalized Tributes: Families can create memorials that reflect the deceased's passions and values, fostering a lasting connection to their memory.

By choosing eco-friendly memorials, families can create meaningful tributes that align with their values and promote environmental stewardship.

How Can You Plan a Sustainable Funeral: Legal and Practical Considerations?

Planning a sustainable funeral involves understanding both legal and practical considerations. Families should be aware of local regulations regarding green burials, human composting, and water cremation. Additionally, choosing a certified provider who specializes in eco-friendly practices is essential for ensuring compliance with legal requirements.

What Are the Key Steps in Eco-Friendly Funeral Planning?

To plan an eco-friendly funeral, families should follow these key steps:

Assess Urgency: Determine the timeline for planning and any immediate needs.
Research Options: Explore local providers and eco-friendly practices.
Document Wishes: Clearly outline the deceased's preferences and values to guide planning.

By taking these steps, families can ensure a smooth and respectful planning process that honors their loved one's memory.

What Legal Regulations and Costs Should You Know?

Understanding legal regulations and costs associated with eco-friendly funerals is crucial for families. Key considerations include:

Local Laws: Familiarize yourself with regulations regarding green burials, human composting, and water cremation, as rules vary by region.
Provider Compliance: Ensure that chosen providers adhere to legal requirements and ethical practices.
Cost Awareness: Be prepared for potential costs associated with eco-friendly options, which can vary widely depending on location and services chosen.

By being informed about these factors, families can make educated decisions that align with their values and budget.

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