The idea of dying isn’t exactly our top of mind. In fact, we all want to put it off for obvious reasons. However, whenever we do find ourselves drifting off on these thoughts, we do take into account certain things that will help shape the inevitable.
There are many ways nowadays to pass on, one of which is cremation. It’s one, if not the most popular method among people the world over. Each has his or her own personal reasons for choosing cremation, one is that green cremations are more environmental-friendly than traditional funerals.
With cremation come various types of urns to go with one’s ashes. The use of biodegradable urns has garnered recent popularity because it provides a different albeit safer way for Mother Nature.
Beyond being environmental friendly, there are other things you need to know about using living urns, whether you are planning your future funeral or currently choosing for another.
What is a Bio Urn?
A bio urn or sometimes called living urn is an urn made of 100% biodegradable materials and is designed to convert the person’s remains to a tree afterwards. First conceived as the product concept from the mind of Gerard Moliné, it’s now being distributed and manufactured to more places all around the globe.
The idea is to create a special capsule for the departed’s ashes, with the lower compartment containing the remains while the upper compartment of the urn contains the actual soil and seeds to sprout the tree from. Overtime, both the compartment and the ashes become one with the subsoil, leaving only a tree that will grow through the years.
The living urn being sold by Bios Urn, one of the pioneers of the green urns, comes with pine tree seeds. However, you can simply change the kind of seed when the time for planting comes.
Why the Need for Living Urns?
Cremation isn’t always the safer option. In fact, it can just be as harmful as the conventional method of burying remains if the age-old method is used. However, organic ways like the use of bio urns provide a much better and safer alternative that doesn’t harm nature. In fact, it adds to the natural beauty, as the remains eventually turns to a tree.
Let Your Love Grow explains just how harmful burying ashes the traditional way could get: “Through extensive research performed by an independent lab, we learned that burying ashes in concentrated amounts will have harmful effects on the environment. This is due to the fact that the pH level of the cremated ashes is extremely high and will not allow for the natural release of the good nutrients within the cremated ashes.”
The research added: “In addition, cremated ashes also contain sodium in amounts that range from 200 to 2000 times what plant life can tolerate. We know the detrimental effects of sodium on the human body. Plant life is no different.”
Who Sells Bio Urns?
There are more sellers online and throughout the world who have made it their mission to provide better solutions for better cremation. Bios Urn is the most popular company that sells the product, which include the urn itself as well as a seed of your choice and packaging with instructions.
Living Urn is another company that sells biodegradable urns that come with the urn itself, a bag of growth mix, a natural bamboo storage container as well as a bag of neutralizing agent. These all in one systems are very easy to work with. So you don’t have to fret about tedious processes.
The main difference between Bio Urn and Living Urn is that the former packages the urn with seeds while the later uses seedlings or baby trees. However, both aim for a greener way to seemingly have life after death.
Tips is Using Bio Urns
Like other important factors, being careful when using bio and living urns is a must. There are certain things you need to take account before planting them and letting them grow.
First things first: Know where you can plant the urn. There are many places that allow you to plant trees, which are your ideal locations for the bio urns. It is always best to get in touch with authorities and funeral owners or directors first before going ahead and planting an urn.
Another tip is to know the kind of design you’re after and where you can buy. These urns are now available online and can come in various styles. Spend enough time and effort researching on which one you believe fits best.
One more thing to keep in mind is to know the kind of burial. Most bio urns can be used in water or in land. Choosing ahead allows you and your loved ones to make easier decisions in the future.