Why It’s Important to Support Small Businesses

Why It’s Important to Support Small Businesses

Written by: Max Lemper-Tabatsky

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Time to read: 3 min

Although climate reports continue to relay bad news about the constant threat of climate change, there remains an ever-growing interest among the population in making personal changes and environmentally-friendly choices. Consistently supporting small businesses is one way to demonstrate you care about sustainability and the future of our planet.


Small business owners tend to invest a lot of time, effort and research into the products they make or curate. As such, they take great care to avoid stocking mass-produced items that are, in many cases, made to be sold rather than made to last. In recent years, one phrase that’s become popular among small business owners - especially those who make handcrafted goods - is “small batches”. Rather than manufacture thousands of copies of a single item, small business owners produce their products in small batches, which dramatically reduces waste.


Customers seem to genuinely appreciate how easy small businesses make it for them to express that they care. A customer shopping for a necklace, for example, could easily elect to purchase said piece of jewelry at a large box - store. Instead, they recognize that the environmentally-friendly choice is to purchase from a small business that chooses to sustainably source their materials. Some small businesses even go so far as to donate a portion of their profits to environmental organizations working to defend our planet’s species, natural resources and more. In fact, according to Sustainable Connections (check out their website at www.sustainableconnections.org), “small businesses donate almost 2.5 times more per employee to local charitable causes than large, national competitors.” So even if you find yourself paying just a little bit more for products, you can feel confident that you’re supporting people who care as much as you do, and who make a point to actively invest in our environment.


Small business owners - whether they operate exclusively online or within a brick-and-mortar location in your community - usually do everything they can to support their fellow small business owners. For instance, this means that the woman who specializes in making goat soap purchases her goat milk not from a large retailer, but rather from the local farmer and his family. This means she’s not traveling miles upon miles to secure a key ingredient, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.


Similarly, small business owners who must ship their items across the country typically put a lot of thought into their packaging materials. Because of this, you’re likely to find that they’ve selected materials that can be recycled. 


Examples of this include cardboard and biodegradable packing peanuts, which are made of corn starch. In addition, some small business owners ship their products using carbon offset or carbon neutral shipping. This means the business owner has agreed to pay an extra fee associated with the shipment in order to offset the carbon dioxide emissions from the delivery vehicle.


Shopping at small, independently-owned businesses also sets a good example for future generations. If your children or grandchildren want to know why you’re purchasing a product at one shop versus another, it provides an opportunity to explain why you made the decision and how it was made with the environment in mind. It’s amazing how quickly children are inspired to model your behavior, as well as express their own interest in an environmentally friendly lifestyle. If we can instill our love and concern for the planet in future generations, it’s safe to assume they will be more likely to join the cause sooner rather than later.


At Oaktree, we take our responsibility and commitment to the environment seriously. That’s why we are dedicated to curating and manufacturing products made from sustainably sourced materials as much as possible. Beyond that, we are constantly pursuing new ways to reuse and recycle our materials. It’s true that climate reports are alarming, but as small business owners we vow to continue to do everything we can to educate and encourage our customers to join us in the green movement.


By working together, demanding change and making responsible choices, we can make a difference. So, let’s do it. If we all play our part, we have a chance to defend our planet from further harm.

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FAQs

What are the shipping options for my memorial?

Oaktree offers free nationwide shipping on all urns and cremation jewelry items, with delivery typically taking 2-5 business days, including processing time. Need it sooner? Expedited shipping (overnight or 2-day) is available at checkout for an additional cost, and we will also prioritize processing for faster delivery. If you need international shipping, please contact us first to confirm availability and rates.

How long will it take for my engraved item to arrive?

Engraved urns and cremation necklaces require an additional 1-3 business days for personalization before shipping. If you need faster delivery, please contact us—we’ll do our best to expedite processing and accommodate your timeline. Expedited shipping options are also available at checkout to ensure your memorial arrives as soon as possible.

What do I do if I never received my order?

If your order hasn’t arrived within 10 business days, please contact us so we can track your shipment and resolve any issues. We’ll ensure your memorial reaches you as soon as possible.

What do I do if I received a defective order?

If your order arrives damaged or defective, contact us right away. We take pride in our high-quality craftsmanship and will work quickly to replace or repair your item at no additional cost.

Can I return my urn or cremation necklace? What is your return policy?

Oaktree offers a 100-day return and exchange policy for non-engraved items. Due to personalization, engraved urns are final sale and cannot be returned. For full details on how to start a return or exchange, visit our Returns & Exchanges page.

How do I make changes to an urn I’ve already ordered?

If you need to modify an order, contact us as soon as possible. If your urn is already engraved, we may not be able to make changes, but we’ll do our best to accommodate your request before processing.

How are your urns made? Where do the materials come from?

Oaktree’s urns are handcrafted in the USA and Europe using sustainable, locally sourced materials. Our artisans ensure each piece is beautifully designed and built to honor your loved one’s memory with care.

How do I choose the right urn size?

Each product page includes detailed dimensions, weight capacity, and cubic inches to help you select the right urn. As a general guide, 1 cubic inch holds 1 pound of pre-cremation weight. If you need help choosing, feel free to contact us.

Some urns are marked as “sold out.” When will they be available?

Our handmade urns may take a few weeks to restock. If you’re interested in a specific style, contact us for an estimated restock date, and we’ll notify you when it’s available.

Does Oaktree place the ashes into my urn?

Yes, we offer an optional ash transfer service for an additional fee. If you’d like us to handle this process, please contact us when placing your order. You’ll need to mail the ashes to us, and we’ll carefully transfer them into your selected urn.

How do I transfer ashes into my urn?

Cremated remains typically arrive in a sealed plastic bag inside a plastic container. To transfer them, simply place the sealed bag inside your urn. If needed, use a funnel for precise placement. If you have any concerns, our team is happy to assist.

How do I order an engraved urn?

To personalize your urn, select “Yes” under “Would you like your item engraved?” on the product page. If you’d like a custom design beyond standard engraving, contact us and we’ll explore options to create a unique tribute.

Can my urn be shipped directly to a funeral home?

Yes! During checkout, you can enter the funeral home’s address for direct shipping.

Can I customize my urn beyond engraving?

Yes! In addition to engraving, we offer custom design services, including unique finishes, symbols, or artwork. If you’d like to personalize your urn beyond standard options, contact us to discuss customization possibilities.

What materials are Oaktree urns made from?

Our urns are crafted from premium materials such as wood, ceramic, marble, metal, and biodegradable materials. We focus on sustainable sourcing and high-quality craftsmanship to create lasting memorials.

Do you offer keepsake urns or mini urns?

Yes, we offer keepsake urns and mini urns, which are smaller versions designed for sharing ashes among family members or keeping a small portion as a personal tribute.

Can I pre-order an urn for future use?

Absolutely! Many customers choose to pre-order an urn in advance. This ensures availability and allows for customization without time constraints. Contact us to arrange a pre-order.

Do you offer pet urns?

Yes, we provide a range of pet memorial urns designed to honor beloved pets. These are available in different materials and sizes to suit dogs, cats, and other pets.

How do I clean and maintain my urn?

Urns require gentle care to maintain their beauty. Use a soft cloth and mild cleaner for metal or ceramic urns. Avoid direct sunlight and moisture to preserve wood urns. Contact us for specific care instructions based on your urn’s material.

Can I travel with an urn? Are they TSA-approved?

Most Oaktree urns are TSA-compliant, making them safe for air travel. Choose a non-metal urn to ensure easy screening. We recommend carrying the urn in your carry-on bag and bringing the cremation certificate from the funeral home.

How do I track my order?

Once your order ships, we’ll send you a tracking number via email. You can use this to monitor the shipment status. If you don’t receive tracking details, contact us for assistance.

How do I contact Oaktree if my question isn’t answered here?

We’re happy to assist! Visit our Contact Us page to reach us via email, chat, or phone. Our compassionate team is ready to help.

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