Green Farewells: A Sustainable and Legal Guide to Ash Scattering
In a world more conscious of its environmental footprint, how we say goodbye is changing. Today, more families are seeking memorial options that reflect not only personal values but also a respect for nature. Scattering ashes in meaningful places—whether in a national park, at sea, or on private land—has emerged as a deeply personal and eco-friendly alternative to traditional burial.
In fact, 45% of people now say they want their ashes scattered in a place that holds special meaning. At the same time, more than 68% of families are actively looking for greener memorial options. Ash scattering beautifully honors both wishes: a sustainable farewell and a connection to the natural world.
🌿 See Available National Park Destinations →
📞 Speak to a Memorial Specialist: (515) 206-4845
📧 bonaventurememorial@gmail.com
🌱 Why Green Memorials Are on the Rise
As awareness of environmental issues grows, many families are rethinking how they honor their loved ones. Memorials are no longer just about tradition—they're about legacy, sustainability, and meaning. Green memorials, including ash scattering and eco-conscious burials, reflect a shift toward simpler, more intentional choices that prioritize both emotional healing and environmental responsibility.
🌍 The Environmental Impact of Traditional Burial
The conventional burial process can have a surprisingly large ecological footprint:
Embalming fluids (like formaldehyde) are toxic and can leach into the soil over time.
Concrete vaults and metal caskets consume significant resources to produce and are not biodegradable.
The average cemetery burial uses 4 feet of hardwood, 1.6 tons of concrete, and 20 gallons of embalming fluid per plot.
U.S. cemeteries bury over 800,000 gallons of formaldehyde-based embalming fluid every year.
All of this takes a toll—not just on the earth, but also on families who want a more natural, harmonious way to say goodbye.
🌿 Green Memorials Offer a Kinder Alternative
Green memorials allow for a return to nature in the most authentic and beautiful way possible. Whether that means choosing a biodegradable urn, scattering ashes in a beloved natural setting, or opting for a conservation burial site, these options support both the earth and the grieving process.
No permanent footprint – Ash scattering leaves no trace behind.
No chemicals – No embalming or synthetic preservation.
No synthetic materials – Biodegradable options ensure a gentle return to the ecosystem.
Minimal carbon footprint – Especially when compared to vault production and traditional cemetery upkeep.
This simplicity brings a kind of peace—both emotionally and environmentally.
A Shift in What Families Want
Recent studies show a clear shift in preferences:
45% of people want their ashes scattered in a place that’s meaningful to them.
68% of families say they prefer eco-friendly end-of-life options over traditional ones.
Demand for green memorials has doubled in the last 10 years, according to the National Funeral Directors Association.
It’s not just a trend—it’s a reflection of how we live now. We recycle, we reduce our impact, and we want our final act to align with those values.
🌺 Letting Go With Purpose
Green memorials aren’t just about environmental responsibility—they’re about intention. They invite us to reflect on where we came from, what mattered most, and how we want to be remembered.
For many families, the act of scattering ashes into a mountain breeze or beneath a forest canopy feels deeply healing. It’s a ritual that speaks to our connection to the world and each other—one that’s more about presence than permanence.
At BONAVENTURE, we help families create green memorials that are:
Thoughtfully planned
Fully legal and permitted
Beautifully executed with reverence and care
Whether you’re choosing a bioluminescent beach, a glacier-fed lake, or a high-alpine meadow, we’re here to help you return your loved one to the earth in a way that feels peaceful, purposeful, and pure.
🌿 See Available National Park Destinations →
📞 Speak to a Memorial Specialist: (515) 206-4845
📧 bonaventurememorial@gmail.com
Where Can You Legally Scatter Ashes?
While ash scattering is more accessible than ever, there are important legal and environmental rules to follow. Here’s a breakdown of your options:
🏞 Scattering Ashes in National Parks
Why families choose it: National parks offer breathtaking scenery and a sense of timelessness—towering mountains, vast skies, and sacred silence that feels worthy of a meaningful farewell.
Legal considerations:
The National Park Service generally permits ash scattering, but a special use permit is often required. This helps protect the park’s delicate ecosystems while respecting your family’s ceremony.
Permit requirements often include:
A completed application
A map or description of the scattering site
A small processing fee
Seasonal or hourly restrictions
🕐 Plan ahead—permit processing can take a few days to several weeks.
Environmental guidelines:
Ashes must be scattered away from trails, water, and culturally sensitive areas
No markers or memorial objects may be left behind
The land must remain undisturbed
📍 Tip: Contact the specific park’s office for the most up-to-date rules. Each park is different.
🌊 Scattering Ashes at Sea
Why families choose it: The ocean offers a timeless, poetic backdrop. The rolling waves and open skies create a serene sense of release—especially for those who loved the water in life.
EPA rules (under the Clean Water Act):
Ashes must be scattered at least 3 nautical miles from shore
Only biodegradable containers may be used (no metal or plastic)
The event must be reported to the EPA within 30 days
Working with a charter:
If you don’t have a private boat, choose a vessel familiar with these laws. Many sea captains handle the legal aspects—but always confirm ahead of time.
🏡 Scattering Ashes on Private Property
Why families choose it: For some, nothing feels more personal than returning to a family property, garden, or place that holds generations of memories.
Legal considerations:
If you own the land: You typically don’t need permits, though HOA or local zoning laws may apply.
If the land belongs to someone else: You must obtain permission—ideally in writing—to avoid future disputes.
📝 Verbal consent isn’t enough if legal questions ever arise.
🌿 Scattering on State Parks or Public Lands
Rules vary by state—some allow ash scattering with a permit; others prohibit it entirely. City parks and conservation lands may have their own guidelines.
✅ Always contact the land manager or parks department before finalizing your plans.
📸 Do You Want to Document the Moment?
Ash scattering ceremonies are often once-in-a-lifetime events. Many families choose to:
Take photos or short videos
Record GPS coordinates
Write a small memorial note or entry
This can preserve the memory of the ceremony and the location for generations to come.
🤝 When a Scattering Service Makes Sense
The legal details, permit applications, and logistics can feel overwhelming—especially during grief. That’s why many families turn to a professional ash scattering service for peace of mind.
How BONAVENTURE Makes It Simple and Beautiful
At BONAVENTURE, we specialize in unaccompanied ash scattering ceremonies in some of the most awe-inspiring natural destinations in the country. We take care of the entire process—so you can focus on the tribute, not the paperwork.
✅ We Handle Every Legal Requirement
From national park permits to EPA reporting, our team ensures complete legal compliance with care and precision.
📍 18 Breathtaking, Pre-Approved Locations
From Yellowstone’s vast valleys to Hawaiʻi’s glowing volcanic shores, our destinations are chosen for their natural beauty and spiritual resonance.
📦 From Home to Tribute—We Handle It All
Free USPS Cremains Kit delivered to your door— available at your local USPS or online
All permits and ceremony planning managed by our team
Quiet, scheduled scattering with deep respect
🪵 A Lasting Keepsake for Your Family
Each family receives a handcrafted wooden plaque with:
The name of your loved one
GPS coordinates of the scattering site
Optional inlaid ashes sealed on the back
Plan with Confidence. Mourn with Peace.
You shouldn’t have to choose between honoring a life well lived and navigating red tape. At BONAVENTURE, we make it possible to do both—with reverence, beauty, and full legal compliance.
🌿 See Available National Park Destinations →
📞 Speak to a Memorial Specialist: (515) 206-4845
📧 bonaventurememorial@gmail.com
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is it legal to scatter ashes?
Yes. In most cases, scattering ashes is completely legal—as long as you follow location-specific guidelines. National parks typically require a permit, sea scatterings must follow EPA regulations, and private property requires the owner’s permission. BONAVENTURE handles all of this for you.
❓ Are ashes bad luck?
No—ashes are not bad luck. But it’s understandable why some people feel uncertain. For many families, keeping ashes at home brings discomfort or a sense of being “stuck.” Scattering ashes in a beautiful, natural place often brings a deep sense of peace, healing, and closure. It’s not about superstition—it’s about finding a way to say goodbye that feels meaningful.
❓ Can we choose where the ashes are scattered?
Yes. BONAVENTURE offers 18 stunning, pre-approved natural destinations across the U.S.—including Yellowstone, Mount Rainier, Ruby Beach, and Glacier National Park. We also offer combo packages for those who want to incorporate multiple iconic locations.
❓ What if we can’t attend the scattering?
That’s okay. BONAVENTURE’s service is designed to be unaccompanied. We’ll handle everything with care and provide a handcrafted memorial plaque with your loved one’s name, GPS coordinates of the scattering, and an optional inlay of ashes.
❓ How do we get the ashes to you?
Use a free USPS Cremains Kit available online or at your local USPS store. It’s secure, trackable, and designed specifically for shipping ashes. Follow the instructions to safely ship ashes to us. After we receive them, they are never out of our possession.
❓ Will we receive anything afterward?
Yes. Every BONAVENTURE ceremony includes a personalized wooden memorial plaque engraved with your loved one’s name and the exact coordinates of where their ashes were scattered. It’s a beautiful, tangible reminder of both memory and place.
❓ Can I scatter ashes in more than one location?
Yes. Many families choose to divide ashes and scatter them in multiple places that were significant to their loved one. BONAVENTURE offers combo packages like:
America the Beautiful Package: Badlands, Yellowstone, and Grand Tetons
Return to Nature Package: Mount Rainier, Olympic National Forest, Ruby Beach
These curated itineraries create a multi-location tribute that reflects a life filled with travel, wonder, and meaning.
❓ Can I choose the date or location of the scattering?
Our team understands that choosing a resting place for your loved one’s ashes is a supremely important decision— So, if you have a special location or date in mind please feel free to reach out through our contact form or email us at bonaventurememorial@gmail.com, and we will work hard to try to facilitate honoring their memory in a way that you think best reflects their life.
❓ Is ash scattering environmentally friendly?
Yes. We prioritize eco-conscious practices in every part of our process—using biodegradable scattering techniques to prevent environmental disruption at all locations. Our staff also partners with consulting park rangers with expertise in soil, aquatic, historical, and archeological impacts. Your loved one’s legacy will be honored in a way that preserves the natural world.
❓ Is it too late to scatter ashes if I’ve had them for years?
Never. In fact, many people feel called to scatter ashes only when the timing and setting feel truly right. Whether it's been a season or many years, nature welcomes your loved one home at any moment. Our service helps transform long-held grief into a sacred act of remembrance—honoring your loved one with a final journey into landscapes of profound beauty and peace.
❓ How do you ensure the ashes are handled with care?
We treat every part of the process with dignity, ensuring that your loved one's ashes are handled with respect and care—from secure transportation to the moment of scattering itself. Our trustworthy team of experts has years of experience in VIP events planning, environmental impact, and guiding in the National Parks— we are passionately committed to using our combined talents to conduct a scattering that truly honors your loved one.
❓ Why is timing important for the scattering ceremony?
Timing enhances the beauty and serenity of the experience. We schedule ceremonies to align with optimal conditions—such as the vibrant wildflower blooms on Mt. Rainier or the serenity of Zion—ensuring a respectful and memorable tribute that honors the legacy and dignity of your individual loved one. Bonaventure
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