What Is a “Green” Casket?

A green casket can be any biodegradable container suitable for holding a body. According to Green Burial Council standards, it should be made from natural or recycled plant, animal or unfired earthen materials and contain no plastic, fiberboard, or metal. (Necessary hardware and fasteners are exempt from this requirement as long as they are not made of brass or chrome.) Some materials commonly used for green caskets include:

• Bamboo
• Rattan
• Hemp
• Organic wool or felt
• Organic cotton
• Seagrass
• Banana leaf
• Teak
• Willow
• Reclaimed, unfinished softwood
• Recycled cardboard

Keep in mind, however, that some biodegradable caskets may come with a rather large carbon footprint because the materials are grown far from where they are made. Bamboo, for example, is plentiful and sustainable since it grows at a rate of about 3-10 centimeters a day. But the vast majority of bamboo used in the U.S. is grown in China and, to a lesser extent, South America. Thus, even if you buy a bamboo coffin made by hand by local artisans, the carbon cost of getting it to the manufacturer in the U.S. may be quite high. 

Cork, too, is an extremely sustainable resource. It is actually the bark of the cork oak tree, which can be stripped from the tree every 9-10 years without damaging its health. However, almost all cork used in the manufacture of coffins (and coasters and wine stoppers) comes from oaks grown in forests in Portugal and Spain, with a lesser amount coming from Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Italy and France. All of this raw material must be transported from the point of origin to the site where the coffin will be made and then shipped to your location, which can increase its carbon footprint a great deal. 

This is not to say that wicker, cork, and bamboo caskets are not “green” in the strict sense of the word. But if you are opting for green burial because it is friendly to the environment, choosing a casket made from locally sourced pine or recycled cardboard might be a better choice.

Creating your own burial shroud or casket—or sourcing one from a local artisan—is a meaningful and eco-friendly option. Just be sure to check with your funeral or burial provider about size, durability, and handling requirements (like built-in handles or fit for transport and burial). Review the GBC’s product standards to ensure your design supports environmental goals. For handcrafted options, explore the Funeral Artisans Collective. Funeral providers are legally required to accept appropriate, outside products.  For legal guidance on their responsibility to you as a consumer, see the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Advice page.

Ultimately, green burial products are designed to return the body gently to the earth while honoring both the deceased and the environment. Before purchasing or selecting any products, it’s a good idea to check with the burial ground or funeral provider to ensure they meet specific logistical and site requirements.

Sources

Funerary Artisans Collective. https://www.funeraryartisanscollective.org/ 

“The FTC Funeral Rule”. Federal Trade Commission. https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/ftc-funeral-rule 

“Our Standards”. Green Burial Council. https://www.greenburialcouncil.org/our_standards.html