Eco-friendly memorials are no longer a fringe request. According to the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association, 84% of families would choose a green funeral if it were available.* Still, many of them aren’t sure what that actually means. In fact, while biodegradables get a lot of attention, one of the most common “green” memorial requests isn’t biodegradable at all.
What They’re Really Asking For
The gap between interest and understanding is exactly where funeral professionals can shine. Because “eco-friendly” can mean different things to different people, an important first step is to discover what each family truly wants so you can guide them with compassion and confidence.
To help, here are three of the most common eco-friendly family types, drawn from our experience working with funeral professionals across the country.
1. The Eco-nomical
This group is practical, price-conscious, and drawn to minimalist solutions. While they may not walk the greenest path, they do care about leaving a lighter footprint. Simple scattering tubes or biodegradable paper urns appeal to these families for their ease, dignity, and affordability. To help them, offer guidance on scattering etiquette and regulations, reinforcing that minimalist doesn’t have to mean impersonal.
Here are our top product recommendations for an earth-friendly tribute grounded in simplicity:
- Forget-me-not Scattering Tube: Featuring delicate blue and purple forget-me-nots, a symbol of remembrance, this biodegradable paper tube offers a dignified way to honor a loved one. Designed for ease of use, the tube can be recycled after scattering or buried entirely.
- Embrace Biodegradable Urn: This floral-inspired urn is handcrafted from recycled paper, mulberry bark, and natural hemp—fully biodegradable and made with sustainable methods that preserve living trees. An ideal choice for ground burial, it reflects a commitment to simplicity, sustainability, and a gentle return to the earth.
2. The Deep Green
These families don’t just care about the planet, they live in alignment with it. Well-versed in sustainability, they seek memorials that reflect their values from the inside out. Expect thoughtful questions about sourcing, materials, biodegradability, and long-term environmental impact. When you can speak their language, you become a trusted resource.
For families who walk the talk when it comes to sustainability, these urns are a smart choice:
- Journey Earthurns: Crafted from recycled paper and the sustainably-harvested bark of the mulberry tree, no trees are cut down in the making of this urn. Designed to briefly float as an ocean or lake farewell, this urn can also be safely buried as the beautiful handmade paper will break down naturally over time.
- Paper Turtle Urns: Handcrafted from recycled paper and non-toxic adhesives, this symbolic urn is designed for water burial but also breaks down naturally in soil. When placed in water, it floats briefly before sinking and biodegrading—leaving no trace or harm to marine life. Symbolizing endurance and wisdom through growth, turtles convey a peaceful, poetic farewell.
3. The Preservationist
One of the most common requests is from families who ask for an “eco-friendly” option—but what they really want isn’t biodegradable, just natural. They’re drawn to long-lasting, earthen materials like marble, wood, ceramic, or glass—something that endures, not disappears quickly. This group’s environmental values stem from a blend of tradition and reverence for nature.
Because their version of “green” is all about permanence with purpose, be sure to highlight natural materials, sustainable sourcing, and durability. These urns reflect that balance beautifully:
- Craftsman Cedar Urn: Families cherish this urn’s rich woodgrain, quality workmanship, and natural aroma. Handcrafted in the USA from solid cedar wood—no MDF or veneer—it offers lasting beauty and durability with a warm, traditional feel.
- Angel Wings Ceramic Urn: Crafted from natural clay and glazed by hand, this ceramic urn connects today’s families to a timeless, artistic tradition. Built to last, just as ancient pottery has endured for centuries, its divine symbolism evokes peace, protection, and remembrance.
Coming Full Circle
In the end, it all comes back to the desire to honor life—from our cherished loved ones to the earth itself. While all families are different, those drawn to greener options often share a meaningful connection between personal legacy and planetary care. As funeral professionals, taking time to understand what each family truly values helps you guide them toward the perfect memorial, honoring both their loved ones and the world they leave behind.