Cremation provides more freedom than traditional burial in terms of where and how you lay your loved one to rest. However, with so many options it can be difficult to decide what method will best represent the spirit of the departed. Below, the compassionate staff at Jacqueline M. Ryan Home for Funerals of Keansburg, NJ, lists three of their favorite ways past clients have returned their beloved to the earth.

3 Ways to Scatter Cremation Ashes

1. Plant Them With a New Tree

If your departed friend or family member was particularly eco-conscious or loved nature, plant their ashes in the ground along with a seedling for a new tree. Funeral homes offer biodegradable urns for this purpose. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate the passing of a dear soul while ushering in new life. You can revisit this spot to be with your loved one as often as you like.

2. Honor Them on the Mantle at Home

Feeling as though their loved one is nearby helps many people cope with their grief. This is why some families  keep the ashes of a departed relative at home in a special place. You can put them on the mantle of the fireplace, surrounded by treasured photos, or even set up a small table specially dedicated to the urn and decorated with some of their favorite personal belongings.

3. Scatter Them at Sea

This idea has grown in popularity in recent years, and with good reason. The sea is a calming and beautiful place, and performing a scattering off the coast offers the perfect chance to have a small ceremony and say goodbye to your loved one. In New Jersey, scattering must occur 3 nautical miles from shore in compliance with EPA regulations. For inland water burial, you must obtain a permit.

For more ideas that will suit the personality of your loved one and honor their life, speak with Jacqueline M. Ryan Home for Funerals. They are committed to their clients and have guided them through loving, unique memorial services since 1947. They offer a wide array of services to suit families of any background, including cremations and traditional burials. To learn more about their offerings, visit them online or call (732) 787-1177 today.