When my mother passed away it was devastating, but I never expected to have to relive it again… when I picked her ashes up at the U.S. Post Office. Yes, the Post Office. I also had to go through the process of buying her urn. I decided I wanted an environmentally friendly one. At a loss for finding one I liked that was also affordable, I ended up buying one on Amazon, yet another weird experience.
Then I had another decision. Where will her ashes rest? Having no family left in our home town, and my sister and I living in different states made it a difficult one. I kept thinking, I wish I could bury her under a tree in her home town. A place my sister and I would definately visit. This proved to be a difficult process.
So when I learned about Better Place Forests, I just had to reach out and learn more.
They are truly thinking outside the box when it comes to environmentally friendly cremation burials, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional cemeteries.
A New Way to Rest in Peace
Better Place Forests is home to Memorial Trees. These are established, growing trees that serve as a resting place for cremated loved ones.
“Most Americans today, about 60 percent, choose cremation, which presents both an opportunity and a challenge regarding what to do with the ashes,” says Ineke Van Waardenburg, the Chief Operating Officer of Better Place Forests. “We offer a beautiful alternative: a final resting place in a protected forest.”
Van Waardenburg says Better Forests founder Sandy Gibson was inspired to create the forests after the deaths of his parents. He grew up visiting their graves in a cemetery, but it was the time they spent in nature together that he truly cherished. Those lasting memories inspired him to develop a serene and meaningful way to remember loved ones.
The Process of Choosing Better Place Forests
So how does it work? “We start by connecting people with one of our guides, who provides all the necessary information,” Ineke says. “We offer a personalized experience, discussing different forest locations, tree varieties, and the overall process. Once a tree is selected, we help plan a forest memorial where ashes are returned to the earth at the base of the chosen tree.”
The memorial ceremony is a moving experience. Ineke describes it as “powerful,” adding, “Families mix ashes with native soil, then walk through the forest to their selected tree and place the ashes at its base. A custom-engraved plaque is placed at the base of the tree to serve as a permanent marker.”
A Place for Healing and Connection
Better Place Forests goes beyond providing a resting place. It offers a space for reflection and connection. “Our forests are places where families can come to hike, picnic, and remember their loved ones. We even have events that bring communities together,” Ineke says. “We’ve planted over half a million trees through our partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation.”
Embracing Nature and Legacy
The idea of a forest funeral has a powerful appeal. Allowing individuals to leave a legacy of conservation and enjoy the healing power of nature during the grieving process.
“One of the first families I met had lost a child. They chose a tree with a view of the ocean, resonating with the father’s love for surfing. When they were leaving, the father told us that visiting the forest gave him permission to experience his grief. It was a profound moment.” Ineke says families often want to share how much peace the process has given them.
Costs and Accessibility
Better Place Forests offers packages tailored to individual and family needs, ranging from $5,900 to $45,000, depending on the location and tree type. “We allow for additional spreadings, so a tree can become a family tree over time,” Ineke explains. “We also welcome pets, which is a unique feature compared to traditional cemeteries.”
Better Place Forests provides loved ones the opportunity to create a resting place for generations. Giving a whole new meaning to the words “family tree”.
The Future of Better Place Forests
Better Place Forests operates in nine locations across seven states, but they are hoping to expand ideally to all 50 states. “We focus on selecting properties with conservation value and work closely with local jurisdictions and communities,” Ineke says. “It’s a challenging but rewarding process.”
As land for traditional cemeteries becomes scarce Better Place Forests is helping transform the way we think about memorials, combining the love of nature with the desire to leave a positive and lasting legacy.
For more information, visit Better Place Forests.
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