What is Destination Ash Scattering?
Destination ash scattering is an increasingly popular choice for families who wish to scatter their loved one’s ashes in a special, meaningful location. Instead of a traditional ceremony, families opt to have the ashes released in a scenic or unique spot, such as a national park, a beloved hiking trail, or even at sea.
Why Destination Ash Scattering?
Personalized Tribute: Destination ash scattering provides the opportunity to honor a loved one’s life in a beautiful and meaningful way. Whether it’s a spot that was important to them or a location that holds special significance, this type of scattering creates a personal and intimate farewell.
Eco-Friendly: Like green burials, destination ash scattering is an environmentally friendly option. Scattering ashes in a natural setting means no non-biodegradable urns or headstones are left behind. In fact, many families choose biodegradable urns for the ashes, ensuring that nothing disrupts the natural environment.
No Need for Land Use: Ash scattering doesn't take up land or resources in the same way traditional burial methods do. It allows the family to honor their loved one without occupying space in a cemetery, creating a more sustainable option.
With a destination scattering, families can choose to send the ashes into the wind atop a mountain, over a peaceful beach, or even at sea. For those looking for a unique and personal tribute, destination ash scattering can be both beautiful and deeply symbolic.
Green Burial and Ash Scattering: A Perfect Pairing
Green burials and destination ash scattering often go hand in hand for families who are committed to a sustainable farewell for their loved ones. Both options minimize environmental impact while honoring the life that was lived.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly
Both green burial and ash scattering offer a way to respect nature and the environment. Green burials focus on returning the body to the earth in an organic and eco-conscious way, while destination ash scattering eliminates the need for traditional burial practices that often involve land use and potentially harmful materials.
Connection to Nature
Both practices emphasize the connection to the earth. Whether the ashes are scattered in a quiet forest, a tranquil beach, or a majestic mountain range, destination ash scattering creates an enduring bond between the loved one and the natural world. Green burial also emphasizes this deep connection, with burial sites often being located in conservation areas or natural landscapes, allowing families to feel that their loved one is at peace in a place of natural beauty.
Flexible and Personal
Both options allow families to create a deeply personal experience. For example, a green burial can take place in a location that holds personal significance, such as a favorite natural area or a family property. Similarly, destination ash scattering can be tailored to reflect the individual’s passions or interests. This flexibility is part of the appeal of both green burials and ash scattering, making them ideal choices for those who want a tribute that is as unique and meaningful as their loved one.
