Ethics and Sustainability of Tree Urns
Scientists have been compiling complete temperature tracking records since the 1880s. In the 150 years of data, one year stands out as the hottest ever recorded: 2023. In recent years, we have experienced record-high temperatures, record-low sea ice in the Antarctic, and catastrophic wildfires this past year. Sadly, that record is on pace to be broken again in 2024. One primary contributing has been the continued use of unsustainable practices in designing and manufacturing consumer-based products. Practices that follow a linear model of extraction, development, construction, and disposal are extremely wasteful and destructive. Valuable resources end up being discarded instead of being reused. With over 8 billion people on the planet, it's essential that we commit to sustainable practices in all areas of our lives, including how we say goodbye to our departed loved ones. Observing tree urn ethics and sustainability can make a real difference in our fight to preserve our ecosystem. The innovation of bio urns allows the bereaved to honor their loved ones while providing an environmentally friendly, sustainable solution to the effects of climate change.
Circular Economy
Circle economy, also known as circular design, is an economic model designed to optimize the efficient use of finite resources. With circular design, the life cycle of resources can continue to be beneficial instead of being thrown away. The basic foundation of circular design is rooted in the “3Rs”: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. The model can include: Rethink, Recover, Repair, and Refurbish—-the 7Rs. Circular design products can enjoy a second life from the moment they're created.
The Ethics of Bio Urns
Circular economy and sustainable ethics are at the heart of a bio urn design. As a manufacturer of bio urns, The Living Urn recognizes that the Earth has limited resources. Those precious resources must be conserved and utilized in a way that will allow them to support consumers and the environment. Human beings are part of the natural environment. If our ecosystem suffers, so do we. When we support the manufacturing of eco-friendly products, we help safeguard our lives as well as the lives of future generations.
Eco Burial BioUrn
The Eco Burial BioUrn honors the sustainability of bio urns with its bamboo construction. Bamboo plants have an astonishingly fast growth rate. As the fastest-growing plant on Earth, certain species can sprout 35” in a single day! Some bamboo plants can tower over 100 feet in less than a year. Bamboo plants only take three to four months to reach full maturity, unlike most trees, which can take several years or even decades. Highly adaptable, bamboo can thrive in shallow, rocky soil. Bamboo farmers don’t need to invest much energy into growing it; bamboo can look after itself.
While beautiful and lightweight, bamboo has an incredibly high tensile strength, making it as strong as steel. The Eco Burial BioUrn is rubbed with natural oils to accentuate the grains and colors of the bamboo. Highly versatile, you can bury the BioUrn in a forest, garden, or natural burial cemetery or keep it on permanent display in your home.
Eco Scattering Urns
For those who prefer to scatter ashes instead of burying them, the Eco Scattering Urn is the ideal choice. Like the Eco Burial Bio Urn, the Eco Scattering Urn is made of 100% bamboo. It utilizes a strong birchwood locking pin to secure the lid. With three sizes, the Eco Scattering Urn is designed to fit comfortably in your hands, supplying the appropriate length and balance to make the scattering of ashes easy.
Eco Water Urn
Scattering ashes in a body of water in an environmentally friendly manner is now possible thanks to the Eco Water Urn. This urn is made from 100% all-natural, biodegradable material. The outer casing is constructed entirely of bamboo to safeguard your water urn until you’re ready for scattering. The water urn is made from recycled plant materials and cellulose. By using water, heat, and pressure, no glue or other binding agents are necessary. The water urn is designed to float like a buoy. Once in the water, the lower portion quickly dissolves, releasing the ashes to spread underwater. A short while later, the rest of the water urn submerges and dissolves in the water.
Simplicity Scattering Urn
The Simplicity Scattering Urn is made entirely of recycled compressed paper. Whether used for burial, scattering, or as a permanent indoor keepsake, the bereaved have an eco-friendly way to honor the memory of their departed loved ones. An all-natural, biodegradable cotton bag is included to help transfer the urn safely to its final destination.
Sustainability of Tree Urns
Traditional funeral services require a large plot of land to house a casket made of metal or wood, which may contain harmful components such as glue or varnishes. The burial plot is often lined with concrete to accommodate the coffin. A tremendous amount of resources are needed to accomplish all of this. Just as alarming, the elements of a traditional burial are no longer available for future use.
What if you could give the cremated remains of your loved one a chance to help the environment flourish? The Living Urn BioUrn® and Planting System is an innovative, sustainable design that allows their ashes to grow with a young tree of your choice. Once the cremated remains are transferred to the BioUrn, The Living Urn’s proprietary RootProtect® additive is placed on top. The young tree's roots are then planted into the unique BioUrn along with soil from the planting site. Lastly, the eco-friendly urn can be planted in the ground, beautifying the area and breathing new life into the environment. As an enduring living memorial, you can enjoy watching your special tree flourish for years to come. The circle of life continues. From shelter to nourishment to beauty, several creatures benefit from planting your unique BioUrn.
If you don’t have an appropriate spot to plant your BioUrn, consider a Memory Forest™! The Living Urn can help you find a perfect location for your remarkable tribute through partnerships with leading cemeteries and memorial parks. Memory Forests provide a peaceful, permanent resting place for your loved one. Expert staff members of Memory Forests will water and care for your tree. With the help of the Ecorial® app, you’ll be able to locate the exact location of your special tree whenever you choose to visit.
The Living Urn is America’s first and leading bio urn and planting system created to infuse cremated remains with a young tree, plant, or flowers. If you’d like to learn more about our eco-friendly, sustainable bio urns, visit our store today!