Greener Burial

Here at Waldman Funeral Care, we specialize in Jewish funerals, which means we understand the value of green and natural burial. That’s why we continue to expand our green offerings to meet the growing needs of our families.

 Waldman Funeral Care, LLC has been certified as a Green Burial Establishment by the Green Burial Council

What is Green Burial?

The central motivation behind green burial is the belief that death care practices shouldn’t be harmful to the environment. With this tenet in mind, green burials aim to leave minimal environmental impact, conserve resources, protect from potentially harmful chemicals, and reduce carbon emissions.

What Makes a Burial "Green"?

To be considered “green,” a burial must meet several criteria as set out by the Green Burial Council. These criteria are:

Burial containers made of non-toxic, biodegradable materials

Embalming completed with non-toxic materials, like plant-derived essential oils. At Waldman Funeral Care, LLC, we do not perform any type of embalming.

Caskets are not covered by a grave liner or burial vault. However, some of our Jewish cemeteries do require them.

Graves marked with trees, plants, or stones rather than traditional grave markers

At Waldman Funeral Care we are working with our families to provide Greener options where possible depending on burial location.

As a Jewish funeral home, we already align with many of these tenets, especially as we do not embalm as it is within our sacred traditions. Also, we do not use grave liners and burial vaults unless required by the cemetery.

To learn more about our bamboo burial containers and urns, kosher all-wood construction caskets, and other green options, give us a call today.

Can I Still Have a Service?

Absolutely! It’s always recommended that you plan some sort of service. As human beings, we need to know that our lives matter. The funeral service is where we do that by coming together to remember and honor a loved one’s life and legacy. While green burial may be on an expedited timeline, that doesn’t mean you have to give up having a service. Instead, speak to your funeral director and review the options.

Learn More About Green Funerals

Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is Green Burial Common?

    While not the most common choice, interest in the practice is rising. According to a 2017 National Funeral Directors Association survey, more than 53% of respondents expressed an interest in exploring green options.


    In response, many funeral homes are looking into what certifications are needed and what changes should be made to accommodate this interest. At present, there are a limited number of cemeteries approved by the Green Burial Council (GBC), but that number is increasing every year.

  • How Does a Cemetery Become "Green"?

    To become green-certified, a cemetery must meet the Green Burial Council’s Cemetery Certification Standards. The GBC recognizes three different types of green burial grounds.


    • Hybrid Cemetery – Most common; at hybrid cemeteries, a section of a traditional cemetery is set aside specifically for green burials.
    • Natural Burial Grounds – This is a standalone cemetery where specifically natural burials take place; only burial containers of biodegradable materials, no chemicals, etc.
    • Conservation Burial Ground – This type of green cemetery must meet all the requirements of a Natural Burial Ground but also be run by a government agency or non-profit.

    To learn more about GBC’s certification requirements, click here to visit their website.

  • Is There a Difference Between Green, Natural, and Home Burial?

    Generally, people use the terms interchangeably. However, there is a small difference. With a green burial, the burial portion must take place in a green-certified cemetery. However, a natural burial can take place in any cemetery where burial without a grave liner is allowed.


    In case that was confusing, let’s recap. Both green and natural burials focus on minimal environmental impact, biodegradable caskets, and the use of non-toxic chemicals. However, the type of cemetery determines whether a burial is “green” or “natural.” A burial is only considered “green” if the body is buried in a green-certified cemetery. Otherwise, it is considered a natural burial.


    As for home burials, they could fall into either category, depending on where the burial takes place.

  • Is Cremation Considered Green?

    While cremation does reduce land use, it’s not considered “green” by either the National Funeral Directors Association or the Green Burial Council. Cremation by fire emits potentially harmful substances into the atmosphere and burns fossil fuels. Because of this, the practice is not considered as environmentally friendly as green burial.


    However, water cremation (or alkaline hydrolysis) is thought to be more environmentally friendly. It has a smaller carbon footprint, uses less fuel, and doesn’t release as many emissions.