biodegradable urn

Biodegradable urns are designed for families that have chosen to return their loved one to the earth in a pure form. Urn Garden is pleased to offer earth friendly urns for ashes that are made from sand, salt, paper,tree bark and other organic materials. The urns are durable, have no shelf life, and will NOT begin to biodegrade until buried or placed in water.

What You Should Know About Biodegradable Urns for Ashes

In keeping with the growing trend of green burials, more individuals are selecting cremation instead of taking the traditional route of being buried in caskets. By storing cremains in these types of biodegradable urns for ashes they are planning to have their remains scattered or buried instead of being displayed at home in customary urns or placed in niches at a cemetery.

Choosing Biodegradable Urns for Ashes

Environmental consciousness has grown throughout the country and because of this, traditional funerals are becoming less common. As more people choose cremation as an end-of-life arrangement, some are even deciding to have those ashes buried in a biodegradable urn in a green or natural cemetery or scattered in their favorite place in nature.

Biodegradable urns are less expensive alternatives because they are made from temporary materials that break down when planted in the earth or submerged in water. Consider choosing biodegradable urns for ashes when you know this is the type of final arrangement you or your loved one wants.

Types of Biodegradable Urns for Ashes

Biodegradable urns for ashes are made from a variety of materials, some used for earth burials while others are specifically for water burials. Make sure you know the type of burial you are planning before you purchase a biodegradable urn for ashes.

Earth biodegradable urns: These types deteriorate over time depending on their containers and where it’s buried. The more moist and healthy the soil, the faster it will break down. How quickly it degrades also depends on how deep the urn is buried too. These urns are made from several natural materials such as sand, bamboo, cornstarch, natural clay, peat, or recycled paper. You can also purchase urns with flower or trees embedded in the container so a green plant will grow over time,  another reminder of your loved one. Earth biodegradable urns come in various shapes such as pillows, boxes, unity hearts, or traditional urns.

Water biodegradable urns: These urns typically float for a brief period time and will sink gracefully. They are made from recycled paper, rock salt, gelatin, and sand. Typically, you may only be allowed to scatter ashes or put a water biodegradable urn in saltwater or you can bury it in the earth. They come in different styles such as tubes, pillows, sea shells, sea animals, Grecian urns, and balls of sand.

Before Burying or Scattering the Ashes
Each state has its own regulations regarding burial and scattering of ashes, many because of environmental laws. Your funeral director can guide you with the legalities.