There’s little doubt that the environmental movement is in full swing, but there’s considerable doubt relative to its origins.

The speculation begins in prehistoric times but with little credible evidence, the Roman Empire is considered the first society to recognize the harmful effects of man on Mother Nature. It was Rome, the New York City of its day, that was plagued by gray and smoky skies from the industrious work of its citizens along with battles to control water pollution, deforestation, and erosion.  

Fast forward to modern times and almost every country around the world has an environmental battle on their hands, and most can cite an event that heightened their awareness to find a solution. In the United States, that event was a burning river.  

Located in Ohio, the Cuyahoga River, meaning ‘Crooked River’, caught on fire in 1968 and also caught the attention of the country.

Yet this wasn’t the first time the floating waterway of ignitable sludge erupted into fire. Reportedly, there had been ten or more fires since the late 1800s. This one, however, was different. It captured the attention of a national magazine and scrutiny rained down not only on the Cuyahoga, but on every type of environmental abuse around the country. The event was so significant it caused the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency.  

Now, we’re more aware of our impact on the environment than ever, and are busy reversing the damage from the ways of the past. From tougher laws on business to new products like recycled computer paper, reusable lunch bags, biodegradable plastic bottles and seemingly everything in-between, we’re on a mission to produce eco-friendly products to make our world greener. So it shouldn’t be surprising that the environmental solutions touch not only the living, but also the dead.

Worldwide, there are more than 50 million people who pass away every year and traditional funerals are becoming a burden on both the wallet and environment. With burials costing approximately $10,000 and land conservation in high gear, people around the world are turning to cremation. And with environmental concerns paramount, biodegradable urns are a recent memorial phenomenon.

Biodegradable urns are not only eco-friendly, but rather sophisticated too. Some are made from a special form of paper that contains various types of seeds so when the material breaks down, a new living organism is born. Others are made to lay on top of water for a short periods and then gracefully sink to the sea or ocean floor where it will break down over time. With each biodegradable urn, the goal is to honor the passing of the loved one without harming the world they lived in. 

So whether the new products are biodegradable plastic bottles or cremation urns, there’s little doubt that human ingenuity is alive and well, and now looking after Mother Nature deservingly.