Tree Pods For Burial: The Perfect Eco-Friendly Resting Place?
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Time to read 3 min
Tree pods are an increasingly popular eco-friendly option places your loved one at the base of a growing tree, creating a living memorial.
In this guide, we’ll explain how tree pod for burial works, their environmental benefits, the costs involved, and legal considerations you should know. Read on to decide if this sustainable burial method is the right choice for you or a loved one.
What Are Tree Pod Burials?
A tree pod is an innovative, eco-friendly and futuristic alternative to traditional burials.
The deceased's remains are placed in a biodegradable pod that serves as the foundation for a new tree. It's another way to create a living memorial, where loved ones to visit and care for a growing tree.
There are two types of tree pods:
Body Pods : This type involves placing the body in a fetal position inside a biodegradable pod. The pod is then buried, and a tree is planted above it. As the pod decomposes, it provides nutrients to the growing tree, creating a natural and enduring memorial.
Cremation Pods : This is basically the same as other tree urns on the marketIn this method, cremated remains are placed in a biodegradable urn designed to support the growth of a tree. The urn, which contains a seed or sapling, is buried, and as it decomposes, the remains nourish the tree. This approach offers a simpler and more flexible option for those who choose cremation.
Why Choose A Tree Pod Burial?
Capsula Mundi at the science festival Festiwal Przemiany in Warsaw, Poland,
Here are just some of the things that attract people to the idea of having a tree pod burial.
You want a unique, meaningful, and sustainable approach to burial
It's significantly cheaper than a traditional burial
You want a natural and net carbon neutral end of life option
You wish to support tree growth and provide habitat for local wildlife
How Tree Pod Burials Work
Select a biodegradable pod made from organic fibers designed to support plant growth.
Place the human remains into the pod along with a mixture of natural additives and nutrients.
The pod will then naturally decomposes, releasing essential nutrients into the soil, which fosters the growth of the tree planted above it.
Once the pod is buried, a young tree is planted directly on top. As the pod breaks down, it nourishes the tree, helping it grow into a strong and healthy memorial.
Capsula Mundi
We can't talk about tree burial pods without mentioning one of the pioneers of this concept- Capsula Mundi. They're an innovative company based in Italy, dedicated to transforming traditional burial practices into environmentally friendly and sustainable alternatives.
At the heart of their vessels is their unique egg shaped pod design. The choice of the egg shape is deeply symbolic, representing the cycle of life, rebirth, and renewal. This design encapsulates the company's philosophy of viewing death not as an end, but as a transformation and continuation of life through nature.
Capsula Mundi has created two main types of tree burial pods: body pods and cremation pods (Which is a biodegradable urn). However, the body pods are not yet available on the market as they are still under development. This future product is intended to provide a complete eco-friendly burial solution that returns the body to the earth in a natural and meaningful way.
Tree Pod Burial Costs
As we have mentioned before, tree pod burials are a cheaper alternative to traditional burial methods. Here are some general costs to consider.
Cremation Pods: Typically range from $200 to $500
Body Pods : Still in development, a tree pod burial cost is expected to be between $1,000 and $3,000.
For comparison with other types of burial and services:
Traditional Burial : Typically costs $7,000 to $12,000, including a casket, vault, and services.
Direct Burial : Ranges from $1,500 to $4,000, excluding embalming and a viewing.
Direct Cremation : Costs between $500 and $2,500, with minimal services.
Natural Burial : Generally priced from $1,000 to $4,000, focusing on eco-friendly practices without embalming or vaults.