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Cremation Urns for Human Ashes: A Tribute to Your Loved Ones & The Environment

Welcome to the green side of commemorating loved ones. On this page you will explore a wide variety of cremation urns for human ashes that not only celebrate the lives of those we have lost but also prioritize the sustainability of our planet. From custom cremation urns to biodegradable urns, available urn choices cater to different tastes while also adhering to the highest ecological standards.

In keeping with our commitment to environmentalism, Interra Green Burial by Mueller Memorial advocates for alkaline hydrolysis, a cremation method that reduces the body to ashes using water and lye, a much gentler process compared to traditional fire-based cremations. The resulting ashes can be stored in one of our decorative funeral urns for human ashes. Or this process can be paired beautifully with one of our biodegradable urns for a fully eco-friendly end-of-life option.

Do keep in mind that the “ashes” returned after water cremation have about 20% more volume and are brighter white than flame cremation remains. This may mean a larger person’s ashes may not all fit in a traditional urn.

Selecting the size cremation urn you need is important to consider. The standard industry measure of cremated remains is by cubic inches. It's generally estimated that one pound of body weight will yield about one cubic inch of flame cremated ashes. So, a 200lb individual would require an urn that is approximately 200 cubic inches or larger. 

However, if the cremated remains are the product of alkaline hydrolysis, or “water cremation,” expect the volume of the ashes to be 20% greater than that calculation. So for a 200lb individual would produce about 240 cubic inches of hydrolyzed remains. For volume and size reference, there are 231 cubic inches in a gallon of water.

It's always better to err on the side of caution. Most standard urns sold by Interra have enough space to hold the cremated or hydrolyzed remains of an average sized person. But if the person was larger, you may want to anticipate that the remains may not all fit in one urn. In that case we would return any remaining portion to the family in a dignified pouch. We will always return ALL of the cremated remains to the care of the family or at the family’s request hold them until the burial.

When choosing a cremation urn for ashes, it’s important to consider your ecological footprint. Traditional cremation urns have a significant environmental impact due to their non-degradable materials and manufacturing processes. In contrast, our ecological cremation urns are consciously designed using renewable materials, which will break down over time and return to the Earth naturally.

There is a range of urns for sale from biodegradable urns that dissolve in water to urns that decompose in the ground. Options also include paper urns, which are made from recycled paper and can be personalized with eco-friendly inks.

In addition to paper urns, salt urns are available which dissolve quickly when placed in large bodies of water, leaving no trace behind. Crafted from salt crystals, these urns are perfect for those looking to bury ashes at sea or in a large lake, transforming the process into a gentle return to nature.

Cremated remains contain a large amount of salt and are non-nutrient so you cannot plant a tree or flower directly into untreated cremated or hydrolyzed remains and expect it to survive. However a company called The Living Urn has a patented system which allows for the remains to be safely incorporated with a planting of your choosing.

Also available are a range of custom cremation urns, allowing you to tailor your loved one's final resting place to their personality, passions, or favorite places. Whether it's a hand-painted scene, a laser-engraved quote, or a picture transferred onto the urn, we are here to help you create a unique and personalized tribute.

Additionally, if you're looking for something you can keep close, you might consider cremation jewelry. These pieces can hold a small amount of ashes, allowing your loved one to always be near, whether that's in a necklace, bracelet, or ring. At Interra, instead of this type of cremation jewelry we offer fingerprint jewelry and keepsakes that incorporate a cast of your loved one’s unique fingerprint.

After cremation or aquamation, if an urn is not selected, the cremated remains or “ashes” are returned to the family in a respectable black plastic box. The cremated remains are inside of that box but as an extra layer of protection they are first collected in a clear plastic bag. (We have yet to find a biodegradable bag that meets our needs to replace the plastic bag, but we are looking.) This presentation is suitable for taking your person’s remains back into your care.

If you have an item of personal significance that you would like to use as an urn and keep at your home you certainly can do that. We have seen people use a birdhouse, a tool box and ski boot as a meaningful urn. You are under no obligation to buy an urn from Interra or anyone else.

Choosing an urn for human ashes can be a daunting task, especially during a time of grief. We are here to make the process as simple and meaningful as possible. Our wide array of cremation urns for sale and knowledgeable staff will assist you in finding the perfect funeral urns to commemorate your loved one and help safeguard the planet they called home.

Our memorial urns for human ashes stand as testaments to the lives of your loved ones and their love for the Earth. By choosing our ecological cremation urns, you are participating in a sustainable farewell that respects both the departed and the world they leave behind. Browse our selections today and take the first step towards an environmentally conscious goodbye.