Biodegradable Cremation Urns: An Eco-Friendly Choice

 

Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult things in life. The decisions that must be made in the wake of this event are numerous and confusing. How do you best honor your loved one’s life?

Cremation, which is increasingly popular, is an eco-friendly choice that is also more economical than a traditional burial. But cremation presents its own questions as well. What do you do with the ashes? Scattering ashes doesn’t appeal to everyone for various reasons, but for those seeking a green solution, biodegradable urns provide an eco-friendly option.

 

Biodegradable cremation urns come in many different styles and can be used for different purposes. There are 3 basic types:

1. Burial urn – A burial urn is usually made of heavy paper and other biodegradable elements. It is often is made of paper that is embedded with seeds so that as the urn disintegrates, a plant blooms in its place. You may choose to add a small tree or plant directly to the pot before it is buried. Some people dislike the idea of scattering loved one’s ashes because they have no particular place to go and visit or leave flowers for them afterwards. This provides a solution while still being an eco-friendly choice. There will always be a tree to mark the final resting place of your loved one. Depending upon the amount of moisture in the soil, this type of urn will dissolve within 3 weeks up to a year.

2. Scattering urn – This type of biodegradable urn is designed to hold your loved one’s ashes for a short period of time. Although not designed for long-term storage, this urn will give you time to gather family and friends, design your ceremony, and travel to the place where the ashes will be scattered. If you should need to travel by plane to get to the scattering place, this type of urn will pass through airport security and will usually be permitted as a carry-on, eliminating the added worry of having to check your loved one’s ashes as baggage. Make sure to check with the airline first for regulations.

3. Deep water urn – This urn is designed for those who choose a burial at sea or in any other type of waterway. It will float for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing you to complete your chosen ceremony. It then will slowly and gracefully sink and completely dissolve, usually within just a few days. The deep water urn is made of materials that are completely safe for fish.

 

Choosing a biodegradable urn allows you complete control over your loved one’s ashes if you are concerned about them blowing in the wind or you simply want a nice place to visit in the coming years. Biodegradable urns are a natural way to transition from birth, to life, to death, and finally returning life to the earth — a fitting tribute to your loved one.

At Heartland Cremation, we understand that cremation is a special way of remembering and memorializing your loved one, and that is why we will work with you in arranging a simple and worry-free cremation service. For more information, please contact Heartland Cremation at one of our greater Kansas City area locations.

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