One of the first seems to be Memorial Ecosystems' 'Ramsey Creek Preserve' nature park at the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western South Carolina. The Natural Death Centre is also in favour of the human scale and wary of those who set up branches in a number of locations or who franchise a concept - which is Memorial Ecosystem's intention. But aside from these quibbles, the concept sounds to have been excellently thought through. The cost of a space in a Memorial Ecosystmems preserve will be about what you would expect to pay for a burial space in an urban area. That is where the cost similarities begin and end.
Most cemeteries require leak proof vaults, durable caskets, and expensive grave markers.
Elaborate ceremonies can cost thousands of more dollars more. Memorial Ecosystems does not require vaults and durable caskets. Biodegradable caskets are much less expensive than durable ones. A lot of people are unaware that because of public health concerns, even cremation requires a simple casket. These same caskets can be used for burial.