10 Steps to Planning a Green Burial in Minnesota

1. Assess the Urgency of Your Need:
2. If someone has died, you are “at-need” and will likely be in touch with the police if the death is unexpected, and either at home or not in a healthcare setting. If the death was expected you’ll likely be in contact with a hospice or the healthcare provider. You’ll then reach out to a green burial service provider.
3. If you are making an end-of-life plan in advance, you are making a “pre-need” plan and will reach out directly to a green burial service provider.
4. Educate Yourself:
5. Research green burial options, practices and benefits. Familiarize yourself with the environmental and personal benefits associated with each eco-friendly approach to final disposition.
6. At Interra we are always keeping our website up to date to help make researching green burial options easy for you.
7. Check Local Regulations:
8. Check out our webpage addressing MN natural burial laws.
9. If needed, research further into Minnesota’s state laws and regulations.
10. If you haven’t found the answer you’re looking for, contact the Minnesota Department of Health for guidance on legal requirements for green burial.
11. Consider Which Cemetery You’ll Use:
12. If you already have a burial plot, talk to the cemetery and find out what green burial practices they accommodate. (Interra can help you do this.)
13. Otherwise, find a cemetery that is recognized for green burial practices. In Minnesota, there are several such cemeteries, including Roselawn, Resurrection, and Mound.
14. Visit the cemeteries, talk to the management, and learn about their green burial practices and costs for the burial plot and the opening and closing of the grave.
15. Consider consulting your green burial funeral home before purchasing a plot.
16. Select a Green Burial Funeral Home:
17. Choose a funeral home that is familiar with or specializes in green burials.
18. Ask if the funeral home has any third-party green funeral certifications or awards.
19. Ensure they use eco-friendly materials and practices such as biodegradable caskets and shrouds.
20. Plan the Burial:
21. Work with your green funeral home to decide what services are right for you and your family. Will you choose a graveside service or a ceremony at another location? Would you like there to be a reception or other gathering?
22. Decide on the type of green burial casket or burial shroud you want to use. Biodegradable options are essential for a green burial.
23. Document Your Wishes:
24. Clearly document your green burial wishes in a written form. (Your funeral home can also help you do this.)
25. Discuss your wishes with family members and make sure they are aware of your choice. This is very important for pre-need planning!
26. Cost Planning:
27. Work with the green funeral provider to establish a budget for the burial and related events.
28. Remember there will be the costs from the funeral service providers, the cost for the burial plot, and the cemetery’s fee for the opening and closing of the grave.
29. If you’re planning in advance, consider safely setting aside protected funds so you know your green final disposition wishes will be funded and followed. 
30. Purchase a Burial Plot:
31. Once you’ve decided on a cemetery, purchase a burial plot.
32. Some cemeteries have specific sections designated for green burials.
33. Notify Your People:
34. If this is an at-need situation, reach out to friends and family to invite them to the green burial ceremony or service. Your funeral service provider should have the ability to post an online obituary that can connect people.
35. If this is a pre-need plan it is very important to share your plan and any associated documents with your next of kin. For green burial, things need to happen very quickly when a death occurs, so having your next of kin aware of your choices is imperative.



By following these steps, you will have a clear pathway towards arranging a natural burial in MN, ensuring a sustainable and eco-friendly final resting place, and peace of mind for your family knowing your wishes were exactly followed.