Deciding on a green burial is often the easy part – once families learn what it is, it tends to feel like an obvious fit for someone who valued nature, simplicity, or leaving a lighter footprint. The harder part is knowing what to actually do next. Unlike conventional burial, where funeral homes handle nearly everything by default, green burial usually requires a bit more intention and a few extra questions.
This checklist walks through the process step by step, whether you’re planning ahead for yourself or making arrangements for a loved one. If you haven’t yet read our overview of what green burial is and why more Northern California families are choosing it, start there – this post picks up where that one leaves off.
[ALT: Family reviewing burial pre-planning documents together at a table]
1. Decide: Pre-Planning or Immediate Need?
The steps below apply either way, but the timeline changes everything.
- Pre-planning (recommended): You have time to tour sites, compare options, and make unhurried decisions. Many green burial grounds, including Morgan Oaks, offer pre-need arrangements.
- Immediate need: You’re arranging a burial within days. Call the cemetery directly first – staff can often move quickly and walk you through only the decisions that can’t wait.
2. Find a Certified Green Burial Ground
Not every “natural-sounding” cemetery follows true green burial standards. Look for:
- No embalming requirement
- No vault or liner requirement
- Biodegradable casket or shroud requirement
- Green Burial Council certification or comparable land conservation credentials
Because dedicated green burial cemeteries are still rare in far Northern California, families in Redding, Red Bluff, and surrounding counties often need to look toward the Sacramento Valley or Placer County – Morgan Oaks Eternal Preserve in Lincoln, CA is one such option.
3. Choose a Biodegradable Casket or Shroud
Options generally include:
| Option | Material | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shroud | Untreated cotton, wool, or linen | Simplest, often lowest cost |
| Wicker or bamboo casket | Woven natural fiber | Biodegrades quickly |
| Untreated wood casket | Pine or similar softwood | No metal fasteners or finishes |
Ask your chosen cemetery for their approved-vendor list, or check the Green Burial Council’s directory of certified products before purchasing anything.
[ALT: Simple woven wicker casket suitable for green burial]
4. Decide on Embalming – or Skip It
Green burial doesn’t permit standard chemical embalming. If a viewing is important to your family, ask about:
- Refrigeration or dry ice to preserve the body short-term
- A same-day or next-day viewing before burial
- Green-certified, formaldehyde-free preservation options, where available
5. Plan Transportation
If you live in Redding, Red Bluff, or another area without a local green burial ground, transportation becomes a real planning item, not an afterthought.
- Ask your local funeral home whether they’ve coordinated transport to a green burial site before
- Confirm any state transit permit requirements between counties
- Factor drive time into service scheduling – Morgan Oaks, for example, is roughly a two-hour drive from Redding
6. Choose the Type of Service
Green burial doesn’t limit how you honor a life. Common formats include:
- A traditional service at a church or funeral home, followed by burial
- A graveside-only service at the preserve
- A private, family-only burial with a separate celebration of life later
- On-site memorial features, such as tree plantings or dedicated garden spaces, where offered
7. Get Pricing in Writing
Costs vary by site, plot, and service type. Before committing, ask for an itemized breakdown covering:
- Plot or conservation fee
- Opening and closing of the grave
- Casket or shroud (if purchased through the provider)
- Any service or staffing fees
- Optional extras (markers, memorial features, transportation)
8. Put It in Writing
Whether pre-planning or arranging for a loved one, document the decisions:
- Written burial instructions or a pre-need contract
- A note in your will or advance directive specifying green burial as your wish
- Contact information for the chosen cemetery shared with next of kin
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I pre-plan a green burial? There’s no strict timeline, but many families pre-plan years ahead simply for peace of mind. Pre-planning also locks in current pricing at many sites and removes the burden of decision-making from grieving family members later.
Can I switch from a conventional funeral plan to a green burial plan? In most cases, yes. Contact your funeral provider or cemetery to update your arrangements; there’s typically no penalty for changing your mind before need arises.
Do I need a funeral home at all for a green burial? Not always. Some families work directly with the cemetery, especially for burial-only services. A funeral home is more likely needed if you want embalming alternatives like refrigeration, transportation coordination, or a traditional service beforehand.
What happens if I live far from the nearest green burial ground? This is common for families in Redding, Red Bluff, and much of far Northern California. Plan for transportation early, and ask the cemetery whether they can guide you through the process remotely by phone before the day of the service.
Ready to Start Planning?
Morgan Oaks Eternal Preserve can walk you through every step above, whether you’re planning ahead or need guidance right now.
Morgan Oaks Eternal Preserve 421 Fleming Rd, Lincoln, CA 95648 (833) 667-4266
Call to request a property tour, ask about pre-planning options, or get pricing details – no question is too small.
