Leading Biodegradable Urns on the Market Today
Throughout the U.S., more and more people are choosing cremation instead of burial for their end-of-life decisions than ever before. In 2015, and for the first time ever, the cremation rate surpassed burials in the U.S., with more than half of Americans choosing to be cremated. The National Funeral Director’s Association projects that this trend will accelerate and that over 80% of Americans will choose cremation by 2035 (up from just 50% in 2015 and 25% in 1999). While there are several reasons for this dramatic shift, one of the biggest is cost; cremation is much more affordable than a traditional burial. Also, families are becoming more environmentally conscious as they seek innovative, eco-friendly ways to celebrate a loved one’s life. For these reasons, biodegradable urns are surging in popularity.
Biodegradable Urns: What are My Options?
There are a wide range of wonderful biodegradable urns on the market today! Some biodegradable urns will grow trees, while others are designed to scatter ashes or be buried gracefully. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the most popular biodegradable urns offered by U.S. funeral homes.
Biodegradable Tree Urns
The Living Urn is the leading tree urn on the market. It’s the only bio urn that’s designed to be used with robust living trees and not seeds or tiny saplings. After all, cultivating a tree from a seed or sapling can be very challenging. With the Living Urn, you’ll receive a young tree (2’ to 4’ with a strong root system) from our award-winning nursery. Our innovative, scientifically engineered planting system will help your beautiful tree flourish into maturity, creating a living memorial for years to come!
Each Living Urn comes with special planting additives, detailed and easy-to-follow instructions, and a biodegradable urn made from plant materials. The bio urn is strong and rigid above ground but breaks down quickly once planted to allow the roots to grow and expand freely. The system comes housed in a beautiful bamboo case that’s perfect for ceremonies and handy for storing and transporting the biodegradable planting urn. From weeping willows to lilacs, The Living Urn has over 50 beautiful trees and shrubs to choose from. Simply input your zip code to narrow down the most suitable trees for your region!
Biodegradable Burial Urns
One biodegradable burial urn that’s become a favorite of funeral homes throughout the U.S. is the Eco Burial Urn. This unique and beautiful cylinder-shaped urn is made entirely from bamboo. Not only is bamboo an attractive material, it’s also a sustainable resource and considered one of the best eco-friendly building materials on the planet. The Eco Burial Bamboo Urn can be used as a traditional indoor urn for as long as the family would like; it will not biodegrade until it is placed in the ground and exposed to soil and moisture. Affordably priced at $69, this unique urn is a dignified way to hold your loved one in eternal remembrance.
Biodegradable Scattering Urns
For families interested in scattering the ashes of a loved one, there are two popular biodegradable scattering urn options: The Eco Scattering Urn and the Simplicity Scattering Urn.
The Eco Scattering Urn is designed to help you scatter ashes with ease and dignity. It’s made from bamboo and features a lid secured with a strong, birch wood locking pin. Whether you wish to scatter all of the ashes, half, or just a small amount, the Eco Scattering Urn comes in three sizes to meet your needs: Large, medium, and small. Each size was designed to fit well in the hand with the appropriate length and balance to make it easy to scatter.
The Simplicity Scattering Urn is made from recycled compressed paper to provide families with another wonderful eco-friendly option for scattering ashes. The urn's surface offers families a beautiful opportunity to write a loving message to their departed loved one. The urn is also TSA-compliant, making traveling quite easy. The Simplicity Scattering Urn can also be buried if if so desired.
Biodegradable Water Urns
Biodegradable water urns are designed to disperse ashes in a preferred body of water gently. Two popular biodegradable water urns are The Eco Water Urn and the Flow™ Ice Urn.
The Eco Water Urn is completely biodegradable and is made entirely from recycled plant materials and cellulose. Once placed in the water, it floats like a buoy and gracefully frees the cremated ashes from the bottom of the urn into the water. Families can write messages on the urn before committing the urn to water. The Eco Water Urn comes packaged in an attractive bamboo container, which makes it easy to transport the water urn to the scattering event safely. It’s also a common presentation centerpiece in ceremonies.
Flow™ Ice Urn is the one and only urn on the market that is made entirely of ice. Once placed in the water, this innovative floating urn slowly melts, gracefully releasing your loved one’s ashes back to nature. A small floral arrangement can be placed on the ice block to escort your loved one on their journey.
Which Biodegradable Urn is Right For My Loved One?
All of The Living Urn’s biodegradable urns offer families a dignified way to honor their departed loved ones. Choosing the right bio urn comes down to a matter of preference; there is no right or wrong choice. For example, if you find comfort in your loved one joining with a beautiful tree, then a tree urn will suit your needs perfectly. If scattering ashes in a specific area on land appeals to you, a scattering urn will be great. For those who have a deep connection to water, such as sailors, surfers, or fishermen, a biodegradable water urn will honor their legacy and make a wonderful tribute.
The Living Urn is America’s leading bio urn and planting system. With several remarkable bio urns to choose from, we can help you honor the legacy of your departed loved one with dignity. Visit our store today to learn more about our special urns and keepsakes!