According to Darren Crouch of Passages International, 40% of cremation families plan to scatter the ashes. 70% of those cremation families plan to scatter the ashes over water.

We’ve talked to several families this past week, mostly from California, who have planned this style of ceremony. Often families don’t think they’ll need an urn for this method of memorialization. The truth is, that an urn will simplify the process and eliminate the chance of “blow back”. There are a couple of urn options suitable for water burial that are environmentally friendly, attractive and designed to float for a few minutes and then gracefully sink in the water. One of the nice qualities about these urns is the fact that they are made from recycled paper and molded into the shape of a shell or a “pillow” style vessel.

Some of these families plan to scatter from a boat, or have organized paddle-outs, a traditional Hawaiian good-bye for departed Polynesian kings. Often, flowers, wreaths, rose petals, or leis are cast out after the ashes are in the water.

Greetings from the deep blue sea! Every magazine I’ve picked up lately has a “green” theme, and more press releases touting the green burial movement, so we were inspired to amp up the biodegradable urn line.

Naturally, we’re dreaming of somewhere tropical right now, so we started work on the water burial urns.

Articles for families considering spreading ashes on land or sea, or perhaps planning an ash scattering ceremony can be found here.

We’ve noticed heavier traffic for families searching for outdoor themed urns, specifically hunting and fishing. Funeral homes might consider grouping urns by hobbies, interest and style if you aren’t already.