What is a Biodegradable Urn?

What is a Biodegradable Urn?

Biodegradable urns offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional cremation urns.

Nature is a beautiful cycle of life and death, and with biodegradable urns, we can honor our loved ones while also caring for the environment. In recent years, there has been more attention on sustainable products and practices in various industries, including funeral planning.


Biodegradable urns offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional cremation urns. Here's what you need to know about these unique options.


How do biodegradable urns work?

As the name suggests, biodegradable urns are made from materials that can decompose naturally rather than staying intact indefinitely, like traditional urns. These urns can be buried in the ground or placed in water, where they will eventually break down and become part of the earth.


Some biodegradable urns contain the ashes, while others are designed to disperse them as they break down. They allow the remains to become part of a larger ecosystem rather than staying contained in one place.


What materials are used for biodegradable urns?

Biodegradable urns can be made from a variety of materials, including but not limited to:


Bamboo

Bamboo is a renewable resource that breaks down quickly and easily in soil. It is known for its strength and versatility, making it a popular choice for those who don't plan on scattering the ashes immediately. You can display the cremation urn in your home as a beautiful and natural tribute to your loved one.


Paper

Paper urns can be beautifully crafted and decorated, offering a unique and personalized way to honor your loved one. These urns will break down quickly when placed in water or buried in the ground.


Wood

Like bamboo, wooden urns offer a natural and renewable option for those who want to display the urn before scattering or burying it. Wood does eventually decompose, making it a good choice for biodegradable options.


Water soluble materials

Some biodegradable urns are made from water-soluble materials, such as salt or gelatin. These urns can be placed in water, where they will dissolve and disperse the ashes. The added benefit of water-soluble urns is that the degradation process happens in real-time, offering closure and a sense of peace for loved ones.


Why choose a biodegradable urn?

There are many reasons why someone might choose a biodegradable urn for ashes. For some, it's about honoring the natural cycle of life and death and leaving a smaller footprint on the earth.


Use cases for biodegradable urns

Thanks to their eco-friendly design and unique properties, biodegradable urns can be used in various ways. Here are some options to consider:


Planting memorial trees

Some biodegradable urns can have seeds or plants planted on top, allowing the remains to nourish new life. As the material breaks down, only the tree will remain. It's a beautiful way to honor your loved one and create a living memorial.


Scattering at sea

Water-soluble urns can be scattered at sea, allowing the ashes to become part of the ocean ecosystem. This option is perfect for those with a love of the water or an affinity for marine life.


Burial in natural settings

Since they won't harm the earth, biodegradable urns can be buried in nature. This allows for a peaceful and natural final resting place for your loved one. That way, you can keep your loved one close as long as you need to grieve before returning them to the earth for closure.


Where to find biodegradable urns

Biodegradable urns are a relatively rare option, so they may not be readily available at every funeral home or cremation provider. Only select online memorial companies offer these eco-friendly options as part of their collections.


At Oaktree Memorials, we don't currently offer biodegradable urn options. However, we have various beautiful and unique urn choices, including wooden options. Please check out our collection or contact us to learn more about our available memorial choices.

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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.