Green Burial Massachusetts

Green Burial
Massachusetts

Our volunteers provide education about environmentally friendly natural burial with the goal of making it an option close to home for everyone in Massachusetts.

What is Green Burial?

Green or natural burial is an ecologically sound way of returning bodies to the earth after death. A green burial uses a biodegradable burial container and no embalming, burial liner or vault; a marker, if used, is typically flat and level with the ground. In green burial, a human body and its burial container enrich the soil.
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Cemetery Database

GBM’s ongoing cemetery research populates our database with Massachusetts cemeteries that offer green burial, along with other information such as to whom it is available, cost, and location. Volunteers are continually adding new information.
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Green Your Local Cemetery

Green burial is allowed under Massachusetts state law. Cemeteries develop their own rules and regulations about the type of burial that is allowed in their cemetery. GBM has tips and strategies for bringing green burial to a cemetery near you.
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Get Involved

There are several ways that you can help GBM. Securely donate online, apply to volunteer, subscribe to our low-volume newsletter.
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Upcoming Events

Green Burial – The Earth Friendly Option
March 28, 2025 at 12:30 PM
Lincoln, MA (In-person)
Amherst Sustainability Festival 2025
April 26, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Amherst, MA (In-person)
Green Burial: An Earth Friendly Farewell
May 8, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Winchester, MA (In-person)