Have you retained the ashes of a loved one at your home?

What to do with the Ashes?
What to do with the Ashes?

A substantial number of the people who have contacted us have the stored ashes of a loved one at home. The reasons for retaining the ashes vary, but by far the most common reason is that the caller has not found a meaningful place for disposing of the ashes.

 

While the decision on disposal can be delayed the ultimate question is always there: What to do with the ashes that is meaningful for you and the deceased? You have several general disposal options: scattering (on land or at sea) and burial (cemetery, columbarium, or now EcoEternity Forest.

Scattering or burial in your back yard?

If your family owns a farm, the farm will remain in the family for generations to come - this is a feasible option. But if you own a single house with a yeard will it be sold in the next generation and will the location of your loved ones ashes be in the possession of someone else who may change the ground and limit access to the scattering ground?

Scattering in the wilderness?

This is a vaste country, and there is plenty of beautiful countryside out there. If the countryside you choose is safe from land development, farming, timbering or outdoor tourism, this is a feasible option.

Scattering on water?

To scatter ashes on a river, a lake or into the ocean has a long tradition. For example if the deceased is a veteran, the Navy or Coast Guard will conduct a sea burial at no cost to the family. It will be done at the services' convenience so the family will not be able to witness it. You may also do the ocean scattering yourself. Make sure you scatter a good distance from the shore. Consider a sea urn which sinks to the sea bed!

 

All of the above options have one disadvantage: there is no distinct place to visit and feel close to the loved one! For many family members  it is important to have such a specific place to remember their lost parent, spouse, or child.

EcoEternity Community Tree

Consider an EcoEternity Forest Community Tree.  It provides a distinct place to go and feel close to a deceased love one. It provides a living memorial of the loved one in a peaceful and beautiful setting.  And for those with a strong desire to preserve a healthy ecological environment, a place at a Community Tree will provide a very meaningful final resting place. Read here about our EcoEternity Community Tree option...