Natural burial is a legal option in Michigan

Natural burial (or green burial) is a way of putting our dead to rest in a way that gently and sustainably returns them to the Earth. Bodies are buried without chemical embalming, without a concrete vault, and within a biodegradable vessel (such as a shroud or wicker casket!). The state of Michigan currently has over 25 cemeteries supporting some level of natural burial. Additional existing cemeteries can also often be converted with a little education and a bit of peer pressure from local residents. In some circumstances, you can also be buried on private land in Michigan with a little bit of pre-planning.

Interested in learning about these options and more? In attempt to better educate our state about little known options better rooted in sustainability and community, we’ve joined forces with other alternative end-of-life providers to form The Michigan Deathcare Collaborative, a 501(c)3 nonprofit.

Learn more about natural burial and the Michgian Deathcare Collaborative here.