Selecting a suitable memorial is a crucial step in the healing process after losing a loved one. In New Zealand, there's a growing awareness of the environmental impact of traditional funeral practices, leading many to seek sustainable alternatives. Using environmentally friendly urns for ashes is one such choice that is becoming more and more popular.​

The Rise of Eco-Friendly Urns in New Zealand

As environmental consciousness grows, many families are opting for greener choices in all aspects of life, including end-of-life arrangements. Eco-friendly urns offer a sustainable way to honor loved ones without compromising on aesthetics or quality. These urns are typically made from biodegradable materials, ensuring they break down naturally over time and leave minimal environmental impact.​

Outside The Box Caskets: Pioneering Sustainable Memorials

A notable provider in this space is Outside The Box Caskets. Founded by New Zealand designer Becs Bartells, the company emerged from a desire to offer more sustainable and personalized funeral options. After experiencing the limited choices available during her grandmother's funeral, Becs envisioned creating caskets and urns that are both environmentally friendly and visually distinctive. Her designs have since earned recognition, including two Gold Australasian Design Innovation Awards. ​

Features of Outside The Box Urns

The urns offered by Outside The Box Caskets are crafted from 100% biodegradable cardboard, aligning with the principles of sustainability and care for the planet. They feature nature-inspired designs such as Pohutukawa blooms, Ferns, Roses, and Sunflowers, providing a beautiful and meaningful way to commemorate a loved one. For those seeking a more personalized touch, the company also offers plain kraft urns that can be decorated with artwork, messages, or photographs, allowing families to create a unique tribute. ​

Complementing Eco-Friendly Caskets

These urns are designed to complement the company's range of eco caskets, which are also made from biodegradable materials. This cohesive approach enables families to plan a funeral that reflects their environmental values throughout the entire process. Both the caskets and urns are free from plastic, metal, or any harmful components, ensuring a minimal ecological footprint. ​

Availability Across New Zealand

Outside The Box Caskets has established a network of funeral home partners across New Zealand, making their products accessible to families nationwide. When making arrangements, families can request these eco-friendly options by name through their chosen funeral director. This widespread availability ensures that sustainable memorial choices are within reach for those who desire them. ​

Testimonials Reflecting Family Experiences

Families who have chosen these eco-friendly urns and caskets often express comfort in knowing their choices honor their loved one's values and contribute positively to the environment. For instance, a funeral director from Aroha Funerals shared that a family immediately resonated with the Fantail design, as it aligned with their loved one's appreciation for nature and sustainability. They also opted for the matching urn, finding solace in this harmonious tribute. ​

The Broader Impact of Choosing Sustainable Memorials

Opting for eco-friendly urns is more than a personal choice; it's a step toward a more sustainable future. Traditional funeral practices can have significant environmental impacts, from resource-intensive caskets to non-biodegradable materials. By choosing biodegradable urns, families contribute to reducing waste and promoting environmental stewardship.​

Conclusion

Choosing a urn for ash is a deep personal decision that reflects the values ​​and wishes from both the deceased and their loved ones. In New Zealand, the availability of environmentally friendly alternatives offered outside the cash registers families provides families an opportunity to honor their loved ones in a way that is meaningful and environmentally responsible. As consciousness increases, such alternatives for more sustainable practice pave the way to remember people that we have lost.