As more families choose to honor their loved ones in sustainable and meaningful ways, eco-friendly memorial urns have become increasingly popular. But what exactly makes an urn “eco-friendly”?
The answer comes down to three things: the materials, the craftsmanship, and the intention behind how it’s made. Whether you prefer natural wood, biodegradable paper, or something uniquely artistic, here’s what to look for when choosing an urn that respects both memory and the planet.
1. Rescued or Sustainably Sourced Wood
Wood remains one of the most timeless and sustainable materials for urns. When sourced responsibly, it offers beauty, warmth, and a natural path back to the earth.
Eco-friendly wooden urns are often made from locally rescued or reclaimed lumber — trees that would otherwise be discarded. This approach prevents waste and reduces the carbon footprint of manufacturing.
Wooden urns also decompose naturally when finished with simple oils or waxes instead of synthetic varnishes, making them suitable for both home display and natural burial.
(At Boyce Studio, we use rescued California lumber for this reason — transforming fallen or discarded wood into something that can live on with meaning.)
2. Paper and Paper Mâché
For those who prefer something light and fully biodegradable, paper urns are an elegant choice. Many are made from recycled paper pulp or paper mâché, pressed into sculptural forms that dissolve harmlessly when buried or placed in water.
These urns are often used in water burials or green cemeteries, where a gentle return to the natural cycle is the goal. Some even incorporate flower seeds or natural dyes to create a more personal memorial.
3. Salt and Sand
Urns made from compressed salt, sand, or clay offer a strikingly elemental option. Designed for sea or lake burials, they slowly dissolve after being placed in the water, leaving no trace behind.
Because these materials are abundant and non-toxic, they’re often chosen by families who want to honor their loved one’s connection to nature — particularly the ocean. The transformation feels symbolic: solid form giving way to water and motion.
4. Ceramic and Clay
While ceramic urns aren’t biodegradable in the traditional sense, they can still be sustainable when made with care. Hand-thrown clay urns fired at low temperatures can be left unglazed or finished with natural pigments, allowing for partial breakdown over time.
Ceramic urns also have another form of sustainability: longevity. A well-crafted ceramic piece can serve as a lasting family heirloom — a way to remember and celebrate across generations.
5. Metal Alternatives and Minimal Hardware
Traditional metal urns are beautiful but rarely eco-friendly — metals like brass or aluminum don’t break down naturally. However, some artisans now use recycled metals or minimalist designs with fewer components to reduce environmental impact.
If you prefer a modern look, consider an urn that combines materials — such as wood and metal inlays — designed to be disassembled or reused later. The goal is longevity without waste.
6. Eco-Conscious Finishes and Design Details
The finish used on an urn can make as much environmental impact as the material itself. Look for:
Low-VOC oils or waxes instead of chemical lacquers
Natural pigments or stains derived from plant sources
Simple construction that avoids adhesives, plastic liners, or synthetic fabrics
At Boyce Studio, each piece is finished with a low-VOC oil-and-wax blend that protects the wood while keeping it safe for home display or natural burial. For those planning to bury an urn, we often use a simple beeswax and natural oil finish so it can return gracefully to the soil.
7. The Meaning of “Eco-Friendly” in Memorial Design
Ultimately, an eco-friendly urn is about conscious choice — about caring for the earth the same way we care for memory. Whether you’re drawn to reclaimed wood, paper mâché, salt, or clay, choosing sustainable materials means your loved one’s resting place becomes part of the natural cycle rather than separate from it.
The best urns are made with care, by hand, from materials that reflect life itself: earth, water, air, and time.
If you’d like to explore modern, handcrafted wooden urns made from rescued California wood, visit Boyce Studio to learn more.
I have purchased several urns from Boyce Studios and the most recent was for my best friend of 30 years. I couldn’t imagine a more beautiful place for her final resting spot. The quality, workmanship, and style is the best I have seen. Love the touch of having a place of flowers or a succulent on top. They also were able to make one quickly to meet a fast deadline which as beyond kind.
Our son Colden was named after Mt Colden in New York's Adirondacks Mountains. This urn so perfectly represents Colden! Its shape alone looks like a mountain, but more importantly, it is reflective of Colden's deep love of nature with its beautiful wood tones and chamber to hold a plant. (We chose an orchid.) Knowing it was handmade and customized to him made it extra special. Thank you Boyce Studio!
I purchased one of Boyce Studios lovely urns when my father passed away. After endless searches on the web, I was pleased to find something with a simple design and not a gaudy look. I also appreciated the ease of doing business with the owner and the high-quality craftsmanship and fittings of the urn. The grieving period is an incredibly difficult one and knowing that my father would have appreciated the lovely wood vessel and the tasteful design made this hard process just a little bit easier for me and my family.
