Best Biodegradable Urns for Scattering Ashes at Sea
Published August 19th, 2019
More and more people are now choosing to scatter their loved one’s ashes at sea. But as the popularity of sea burials grew, so did the concern for its effect on the environment.
In general, the scattering of ashes at sea is considered environment-friendly. Cremated remains are biodegradable and do not harm marine life. But some ash-scattering ceremonies use materials that contain plastic and metals which can litter our oceans.
To avoid this, you need to make sure you’re using biodegradable materials. This is especially true if you’re planning to put the ashes in an urn and let it drift in the ocean instead of just pouring it on the water.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also rules that sea burials should use biodegradable urns. It must not contain any traces of plastic, metal or any hazardous substance.
Fortunately, there are now a lot of choices for biodegradable urns. They come in different shapes, sizes, and colors. Most of them are made of organic materials like paper and cardboard that easily disintegrate in water.
How to Choose the Right Biodegradable Urns
Choosing the right urn is very important. There are many biodegradable urns in the market right now but not all of them are suitable for scattering ashes at sea.
Some biodegradable urns are specifically made for ground burials. Most of them don’t dissolve in water. And if they do, it usually takes months before they completely disintegrate.
So when choosing the right urn for sea burials, make sure that its made of water-soluble materials. This includes paper, cardboard, tree bark, sand, and clay. If the urn has painted designs, check if the paints are made of organic and biodegradable substances.
Most urns also come with an inner water-soluble biodegradable bag. This prevents the ashes from leaking before it reaches the ocean.
Best-selling Biodegradable Urns
To give you an accurate list of the best urns for sea burials, we turn to people’s reviews. Here are some of the bestselling, highly-recommended biodegradable urns we found.
Floating Turtle Urn
Made of sustainable materials, this urn is handcrafted by skilled artisans in Mexico. Its sea turtle design provides an artistic and unique way to bid farewell to your loved ones. Once released into the ocean, it floats briefly for about five minutes before slowly sinking.
Full Colored Lily Urn
If you’re planning to send your loved ones off in a sea of flowers, this urn is for you. It has a realistic lily design that will look great amid floating petals.
Made of biodegradable clay and cotton, the urn immediately starts to biodegrade when it hits the water. The flat base also makes it easier to display if you’re planning to hold a memorial before the ceremony.
Small Shell Urn Box
At only $47, this urn is the most affordable in this list. But its looks certainly don’t betray its price. It’s made of biodegradable clay and cotton embossed with intricate details. The metallic finish lends it a classic elegance that’s a fitting farewell to your loved one.
Oceanside Shell White Biodegradable Urn
Also made of clay and cotton, this urn is relatively large with a diameter of 17 inches. The highly-detailed design makes it look like an actual shell sitting in the sand. Once in the water, its biodegradable material briefly floats before sinking and disintegrating.
Ocean Sunset Scattering Tube
This scattering tube is made of sturdy, eco-friendly paper with no metal or plastic. So you have the option to either let it sink in the ocean with your loved one’s ashes or recycle it.
When ready to scatter, you just slide the lids off. A perforated tab is then pushed and the ashes can be gently scattered from the tube. Its design features tranquil colors that are perfect for sunset or sunrise ash-scattering ceremonies.
Kraft Cardboard Scattering Tube (Set of 3)
This set of small scattering tubes is perfect for shared or group scattering of ashes. An average adult’s cremated remains can be contained in the three tubes. It can also be used for scattering the remains of a child or your beloved pet.
Himalayan Salt Sea Burial Urn
An emerging trend when it comes to sea burials is using an urn made of Himalayan Rock Salt. These urns are handmade from a solid, organic block of salt so each one has a unique pattern.
Its warm orange glow perfectly complements scatterings done either during sunrise or sunset. Unlike paper-based urns, Himalayan salt urns dissolve in ocean water within just hours.
Interested In Our Services?
Here at Big Blue Sea Services we take memorial services seriously. Book a time with us to scatter ashes at sea off the coast of Florida with your friends and family present. Our charters are sure to make the moment a memorable experience.
About The Author
Judy Ponio is a firm believer in the power of a sense of spirituality and she wants to share that with the world. She also loves to write about art, design, and more.
