Frequently asked questions
Q: What is the purpose of Bios Urn?
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The intent of Bios Urn is to offer individuals an alternative for remembering deceased persons in a natural, sustainable fashion, thereby turning the process of death into regeneration and a return to life through nature.
Our company objective is none other than to offer an economic, ecological and sustainable product that falls in line with our own philosophy.
Q: Why use Bios Urn?
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It is useful. Thanks to its creative process, Bios Urn becomes something necessary to achieve proper growth from ashes.
It is discreet. Bios Urn leaves no trace of identification that it has been used. It completely biodegrades into the subsoil.
It is long-lasting and independent. Thanks to its manufacturing process, Bios Urn does not “expire”, and as such its use is not bound by any specific period, time or place.
It is sustainable. Both the product and its function imply an environmental, social and economic improvement for a growing problem, overpopulation and metropolis growth.
​Q: How to plant a Bios Urn?
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The Bios Urn is really simple to use. The urn is divided into two separate capsules: the upper capsule is a sealed unit to ensure the good condition of the seed until it begins to sprout; and the lower capsule is where you will store the ashes. You just need to fill the lower cone of the urn with the remains. Then close it with the top capsule and place the seed inside the capsule.
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Before you bury the urn, you will need to mix the components with some soil from where you want your tree to grow. The components will naturally facilitate germination of the seed when mixed with soil.
Q: What care does the Bios Urn require?
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Bios Urn requires much the same care as a normal tree: water, sunlight and good temperature. As such, in order to ensure proper growth, a site with proper soil humidity, an appropriate temperature and a few hours of sunlight must be selected.
If the process requires too much care on the part of the user, a good option is to use a sprout or seedling in place of a seed during the planting process.
Q: Does the Bios Urn have an expiration date?
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Bios Urn does not have an expiration date. Thanks to the materials used to create the Bios Urn, you can keep the urn indefinitely. To favour its preservation, we recommend keeping the product in a dry place away from extreme heat. If you don’t plan on using your urn anytime soon, we recommend getting a Bios Urn without seed. You can add your preferred seed at the moment of planting.
Q: Can I use a Bios Urn with old ash?
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Bios Urn can be used with ash saved from another urn. As such, if you already have the ash in your house, you may purchase the urn and transfer the ashes into it. You can also bring the Bios Urn to a crematorium or funeral home so they can handle the task of transferring the ash for you.
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Q: What is the capacity of the Bios Urn?
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The Bios Urn has been designed to hold all the ashes that result from the process of cremation. The capacity of the urn is 2.5 litres. Nonetheless, it can be used with a smaller amount just a symbolic portion is being saved.
Q: Can I only use a small amount of ash?
Yes, the Bios Urn works with any amount of ash. You can use all of the ash, or just a small portion. Everything will eventually biodegrade and become part of the subsoil.
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Q: Does the Bios Urn consist of any materials that should not be buried in the soil?
No, the Bios Urn is 100% biodegradable, and made with no chemicals, preservatives or additives.
Q: Is it legal to bury the Urn anywhere?
Please check with local authorities, but typically the urn can be planted wherever it is legal to plant a tree, including your back garden. We generally recommend natural environments, like gardens, backyards or forests.
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Q: Are there burial sites/cemeteries offering this option?
You would need to investigate this for yourself. The Urn does not necessarily need to be in a burial site or cemetery. Many people have made arrangements with divisions of parks and forests to have trees planted along trails or in parks where trees are protected. This really depends on your municipal or provincial government.
Q: Are traditional cemeteries willing to bury this type of urn?
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More traditional cemeteries are offering it as an option, however you would need to inquire within.
Q: Do you have a version available for pets?
Yes. Currently, the Bios Urn is manufactured for both people or pets. It is essentially the same product and universal, in the sense that is has the same shape, colour and price.
Q: Does the Bios Urn work with any type of seed?
The bios urn works with any type of seed. It has full seed compatibility. You can choose to use a seed, seedling, sprout or young tree. We always recommend checking in with a local nursery or orchard to inquire about native tree species in your location. It’s best to choose an indigenous tree species so you are respectful to your environment and to ensure growth.
Q: Can I use a seedling instead of a seed?
Yes, you can elect to use a seedling, or sprout instead of a seed.
Q: Can I plant a flower, a plant or a bush instead of a tree?
Absolutely, the choice is yours. In fact we encourage all Bios Urn users to select any seed or seedling of their choice that is best suited for their location in South Africa.
Q: Can I use a pot to grow the seed?
Yes, you can plant the urn in a pot with enough capacity to bury the urn and then transplant it later to its final location if you wish. At present, Cemetrees.com does not carry the Bios Incube as shown on the Spanish Bios Urn website.
Q: What is the size of the Urn?
The box size is 16x16x32 cm and weight is 0.85 kg.