About
The Green Burial Council (GBC) is the leading nonprofit authority on green and eco-friendly burial practices worldwide. Founded on the principles of environmental stewardship, GBC creates and enforces rigorous certification standards for burial grounds, funeral homes, and burial products — ensuring that claims of 'green burial' are backed by verified, meaningful action rather than greenwashing. GBC provides a comprehensive directory of certified providers, including an interactive cemetery and funeral home map, making it easy for consumers to find trustworthy eco-friendly options in their area. The organization also publishes extensive educational resources covering pre-planning guidance, academic research, racial equity in burial practices, and industry best practices for aspiring green cemetery and funeral home operators. For funeral industry professionals, GBC offers a structured pathway to certification, outlining compliance requirements and ongoing quality standards designed to promote sustainable land stewardship and reduce the ecological footprint of the funeral industry. Providers who achieve certification gain recognition within a growing movement toward affordable, meaningful, and environmentally responsible end-of-life care. GBC is funded through provider membership dues, donations, and volunteer support, and advocates for policy change at local, national, and international levels. It also hosts webinars, conferences, and industry events to advance green burial education. Whether you are a consumer, funeral professional, or policymaker, GBC serves as the definitive resource for navigating sustainable after-death choices.
Key Features
- Provider Certification Program: Rigorous certification for funeral homes, cemeteries, and burial products that meet GBC's established eco-friendly and ethical standards.
- Certified Provider Directory: Interactive maps and searchable directories help consumers locate GBC-certified funeral homes, cemeteries, and green burial product suppliers.
- Educational Resource Library: Extensive library of publications, academic research, webinars, and guides covering green burial planning, racial equity, and industry best practices.
- Industry Events & Conferences: GBC hosts webinars and conferences connecting funeral professionals, advocates, and consumers to advance sustainable burial practices.
- Advocacy & Media Support: Supports journalists and policymakers with trustworthy data and guidance to promote accurate, responsible media coverage of green burial.
Use Cases
- A family planning a loved one's funeral who wants to find a certified eco-friendly funeral home or cemetery in their region.
- A funeral home or cemetery operator seeking certification to demonstrate compliance with green burial standards and attract environmentally conscious clients.
- A journalist or researcher looking for authoritative data and expert guidance on sustainable after-death practices for media coverage or academic work.
- A consumer pre-planning their own burial who wants to understand eco-friendly options and document their wishes in advance.
- An environmental advocate or policymaker seeking resources to promote greener burial legislation and industry reform at the local or national level.
Pros
- Verified, Trustworthy Certification: GBC's rigorous vetting process ensures certified providers genuinely meet environmental standards, eliminating greenwashing in the funeral industry.
- Comprehensive Free Resources: Consumers and professionals can access extensive free educational content, guides, and research without any subscription or paywall.
- Growing Provider Network: An expanding directory of certified providers across the country makes it increasingly easy to find eco-friendly burial options locally.
Cons
- Certification Costs for Providers: Funeral homes and cemeteries must pay annual dues to maintain certification, which may be a barrier for smaller or newer operations.
- Limited Geographic Coverage: Certified provider availability varies widely by region, meaning consumers in rural or underserved areas may have few or no local options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a green burial?
A green burial is a method of caring for the dead that minimizes environmental impact by avoiding embalming chemicals, using biodegradable materials, and often restoring or preserving natural land habitats.
How does GBC certification work?
Funeral homes, cemeteries, and product manufacturers apply to GBC and must demonstrate compliance with established green burial standards. Certified providers are reviewed on an ongoing basis to maintain their status.
Is the Green Burial Council a government agency?
No. The Green Burial Council is an independent, volunteer-led educational nonprofit. It is not affiliated with any government agency but is widely recognized as the leading authority on green burial standards.
How can I find a GBC-certified provider near me?
GBC provides interactive maps on its website where you can search for certified funeral homes, cemeteries, and burial product suppliers in your area.
How can I support the Green Burial Council?
You can support GBC by donating, volunteering, becoming a certified provider, or advocating for sustainable burial policies in your community.
