Natural Organic Reduction (NOR) is an environmentally conscious alternative to traditional burial and cremation. Through a gentle process led by Green-Wood’s expertise, the body gradually transforms into earth.
These remains can nourish a meadow, a woodland, or a chosen tree on Green-Wood’s grounds, continuing the natural cycle of care, memory, and renewal.
We are deeply committed to environmental stewardship. Guided by the principles that have defined us since the beginning, we are now developing the operational infrastructure to offer Natural Organic Reduction at Green-Wood, starting in 2027.
We invite you to register your early interest here, and we’ll share updates as Natural Organic Reduction becomes available at Green-Wood.
We’re pleased to assure you that options for other forms of natural burials, or green burials, are available at Green-Wood now.
Like Natural Organic Reduction, these are designed to minimize environmental impact by limiting the use of inorganic materials, conserving natural resources, and reducing carbon emissions. Green-Wood has a specially designated area for green burials in the center of our historic cemetery, or you can incorporate elements of a green burial in many other areas across the Cemetery. If you are interested in green burial, please click here to fill out a contact form. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
FAQs
What is Natural Organic Reduction?
Natural Organic Reduction (NOR) is a gentle, environmentally conscious alternative to burial and cremation that allows the body to gradually return to the earth. At Green-Wood, the renewed earth remains on the grounds and can be placed in a meadow, woodland, or near a chosen tree. During Natural Organic Reduction, the body rests within a specially designed cocoon, surrounded by organic materials that support a gentle, carefully managed transformation into renewed earth over approximately 60 days.
What happens after the laying-in ceremony?
After the laying-in ceremony, the cocoon is moved to a private, carefully overseen building adjacent to Rosewood, where, over approximately 60 days, naturally occurring microorganisms, along with carefully managed air, moisture, and gentle movement, transform your loved one’s body and the surrounding organic bedding into renewed earth, which remains at Green-Wood and is then returned to a place on the grounds chosen by the family.
What happens once the transformation is complete?
Once the transformation is complete, your family can choose from a range of memorialization options for the renewed earth, or remains, including placement in a meadow, garden, at the base of one of our trees, or within a burial lot at Green-Wood. Families may also choose a memorial marker, such as an inscribed reclaimed boulder, to create a named place for remembrance.
Can I take any of the renewed earth home?
While the renewed earth must remain at Green-Wood under New York State regulations, families can choose a meaningful place for it within the grounds and create a lasting memorial where they can return, reflect, and remember their loved one.