Frequently Asked Questions — Pachamama Biodegradable Urns & Pet Memorials
At Pachamama, we know that saying goodbye is a sacred act of love. Whether you're honoring a parent, a partner, a child, or a beloved pet — we're here to help you create a farewell that feels meaningful, gentle, and true to who they were.
Below are answers to the questions families ask us most, written with warmth and clarity. If you don't find what you're looking for, email us at hello@pachamamatributes.com — we respond quickly, especially for time-sensitive requests.
About Our Biodegradable Urns
Do I need to prepare the urn before the ceremony? No preparation is needed. Each Pachamama urn arrives fully assembled with a biodegradable ashes bag inside. Simply place the ashes in the bag, seal it, and the urn is ready for the ceremony. Our step-by-step guide walks you through the full process.
What are Pachamama urns made of? Our urns are handcrafted from sustainable, plant-based biodegradable materials — including cotton-based components. The ashes bag is water-soluble and plant-derived. The flower on top is made from tissue paper and crafted by hand. There are no plastics, metals, or toxins in any of our products.
What sizes are available? We offer three sizes for our Water Ceremony Urns: Large (11.5" × 8.5" × 3.5" — holds up to 6 lb of ashes), Medium (8.5" × 6.5" × 3" — up to 3 lb), and Small (5.5" × 4" × 1.5" — for keepsakes, infants, or sharing ashes among family members). Our burial urns with flower seeds come in similar sizes.
What is the meaning of the emblem inside each urn? Each urn holds a small emblem — a butterfly, dragonfly, or feather — chosen to symbolize the continuing bond with your loved one. Many families find comfort in these gentle reminders of presence, transformation, and the enduring nature of love.
What comes in a Pachamama ceremony kit? Every Water Ceremony Urn includes the biodegradable urn with a handcrafted tissue paper flower, a biodegradable ashes bag, dried flower confetti, step-by-step ceremony instructions, a curated farewell music playlist (QR code), and a Certificate of Biodegradability for cruise ceremonies.
About Water Ceremonies
How long do biodegradable urns float? Our urns float briefly — between 30 seconds and 2 minutes — before gently sinking beneath the surface. This pause gives you time to say a name, share a reading, or scatter petals. Calm water tends to extend float time, while waves may shorten it slightly. Read our full guide: How Long Do Biodegradable Urns Float?
How long does it take for a biodegradable urn to dissolve? The water-soluble ashes bag dissolves within 1 to 2 minutes after the urn sinks. The urn itself dissolves completely within approximately one week. Nothing is left behind — no plastics, no metals, no trace.
Are biodegradable urns safe for the environment and wildlife? Yes. All Pachamama urns are made from non-toxic, eco-safe materials. They are safe for oceans, lakes, rivers, and all marine and aquatic life. Our urns dissolve naturally without releasing any harmful substances.
Can I use a Pachamama urn in the ocean, a lake, or a river? Yes. Our urns work in any body of water. For ocean ceremonies, see our cruise guide and EPA burial at sea rules. For inland waters, see our lakes and rivers guide. For beachside farewells, see our scattering ashes at the beach guide.
Can I include flowers or petals during the ceremony? Yes — natural, biodegradable flowers and dried rose petals are welcome and beautiful. Many families scatter petals as a blessing after the urn is released. Please avoid anything that doesn't biodegrade quickly — ribbons, wire, balloons, or plastic.
Can I add a written message to the ceremony? Yes. Our Ceremony Message Papers are biodegradable cards where family members can write a personal message and release it alongside the urn. Some families also write a farewell letter to read aloud during the ceremony.
What should I say during the ceremony? Whatever feels true to you. Some families share a memory, read a poem, or say a prayer. Others stand in silence. We've gathered gentle ceremony readings and blessings that families have found comforting. You can also find quotes, poems, and prayers organized by relationship. There is no right or wrong way — the love behind the words is what matters.
About Sharing Ashes
Can ashes be shared among family members? Yes. Our Small Urns are designed to hold a portion of ashes, making them perfect for sharing among siblings, children, or close friends. Many families choose one Medium or Large Urn for the main ceremony, plus two or three Small Urns for personal farewells in different places. Read our full guide: Sharing Ashes Among Loved Ones.
Can we hold separate ceremonies in different locations? Absolutely. One of the most meaningful aspects of sharing ashes is that each person can choose a place that holds personal significance — the ocean, a lake, a garden, or a quiet spot at home. Each farewell is unique, and all of them are valid.
About Cruise Ship Ceremonies
Are Pachamama urns accepted on cruise lines? Yes. Most major cruise lines — including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, Celebrity, Princess, Holland America, and Disney — allow biodegradable urns for ash-scattering ceremonies. We include a Certificate of Biodegradability with every order, which most cruise lines require. Read our full guide: Cruise-Approved Biodegradable Urns.
How do I arrange a ceremony on a cruise ship? Visit Guest Services soon after boarding. They will help schedule a safe, private moment on an open deck at sea. Bring your biodegradability certificate, death certificate, and cremation certificate. We recommend contacting Guest Services before sailing — we provide a message template to make this easy.
Do I need to file anything with the EPA after the ceremony? Yes. In U.S. waters, you must submit a brief Burial at Sea notification to the EPA within 30 days. It's a simple online form. We include the direct link and step-by-step instructions with every order. No advance permit is required. Full details: EPA Burial at Sea Guide.
About Traveling with Ashes
Can I bring ashes on an airplane? Yes. The TSA allows cremated remains in carry-on luggage if the container can be X-rayed. We recommend traveling with a sturdy, TSA-approved temporary container — our biodegradable urns are too delicate for airport screening. Transfer the ashes into the Pachamama urn once you arrive at your destination. Full guide: Traveling with Ashes — TSA Rules.
Can I put ashes in checked luggage? TSA recommends carrying cremated remains in your carry-on bag, not checked luggage, to ensure they stay with you and aren't lost or mishandled.
What documents do I need to fly with ashes? TSA does not officially require documents, but carrying copies of the death certificate and cremation certificate helps avoid delays. For international flights, check with your airline and destination country's embassy — some require additional paperwork.
About Garden & Earth Burials
Do you have urns for burying in the ground? Yes. Our Burial Urns with Flower Seeds are designed to be buried in soil. They decompose naturally and include wildflower seeds that bloom in your loved one's honor — creating a living memorial that grows over time. Read our guide: How to Plan a Garden Memorial.
How deep should I bury the urn? We recommend burying the urn 6 to 12 inches deep in well-prepared soil. Mix the soil with compost, as cremated ashes are alkaline and compost helps balance the pH for the seeds to grow.
Can I bury an urn in my backyard? In most U.S. states, yes — burying ashes on private property is allowed. Check with your local municipality if you're unsure. No special permit is typically required for private land.
About Pet Memorials
Do you make memorial urns for pets? Yes. Our Pet Memorial Kits are designed to honor dogs, cats, and other beloved pets. Each kit includes a keepsake-sized urn with a natural wood-look finish, a cotton ashes bag, a transfer funnel, a candle holder, and a tealight. Optional paid upgrades include a photo frame and an engraved name tag.
What breeds do you offer for pet urns? We currently offer breed-specific urns including French Bulldog, Golden Retriever, Cat, and more. Each urn is crafted to capture the character and presence of the breed. If you don't see your pet's breed, contact us — we're always expanding our collection.
How much ash does a pet keepsake urn hold? Our pet keepsake urns hold approximately 6 to 8 oz of ashes — ideal for small to medium dogs, cats, and partial remains of larger pets. If you need to keep all the ashes, the urn works as a keepsake for a portion while the rest can be scattered in a water ceremony or buried with flower seeds.
Can I personalize a pet memorial urn? Yes. You can add a printed photo in a frame and an engraved name tag as optional paid upgrades on any Pet Memorial Kit. Many families also include a small note, collar charm, or favorite treat wrapper inside the urn — something unique that represents their bond.
Can I use a biodegradable urn for my pet's ashes? Absolutely. Many families choose to scatter their pet's ashes in a meaningful place — a favorite park, a lake where they used to swim, or the ocean. Our Small Water Ceremony Urns are the perfect size for a pet farewell ceremony on water. Our Burial Urns with Flower Seeds are ideal for creating a memorial garden.
I'm feeling guilty about my decision to euthanize. Is that normal? Yes — and you're not alone. Guilt after euthanasia is one of the most common emotions pet parents experience. The decision to let go is an act of love, even when it doesn't feel that way. If you're struggling, talking to a grief counselor or joining a pet loss support community can help. We've written about this in our blog: the love you gave your pet was real, and so is your grief.
About Orders & Shipping
Do you offer free shipping? Yes. All orders within the United States ship free.
How long does shipping take? Most orders ship within 1 to 3 business days. Standard delivery typically arrives within 5 to 7 business days. If you have a time-sensitive ceremony — especially a cruise departure — email us at hello@pachamamatributes.com with your date and we will prioritize your order.
Do you ship internationally? Please contact us for international shipping inquiries. We do our best to accommodate families worldwide.
What if my urn arrives damaged? We pack every urn with great care, but if something arrives damaged, email us immediately at hello@pachamamatributes.com with a photo. We will work quickly to make it right — your ceremony is too important for anything less.
Can I return or exchange an urn? Because of the deeply personal nature of our products, we handle returns and exchanges on a case-by-case basis. If the urn doesn't meet your expectations, reach out to us and we'll find a solution together.
About Pachamama
Who is behind Pachamama Tributes? Pachamama was founded by Virginia after the loss of her mother. The name means "Mother Earth" in Quechua, the indigenous language of the Andes. Every urn is created with the same love and intention that Virginia brought to her own mother's farewell. You can read the full story: The Field Wasn't Green Yet.
Does Pachamama support any causes? Yes. A portion of every purchase supports El Faro, an organization that provides companionship to people at the end of their lives and trains compassionate caregivers.
Where is Pachamama based? We are based in West Palm Beach, Florida. Virginia is originally from Argentina, and the spirit of Pachamama carries the warmth of both worlds.
If your question isn't answered here, we're always just an email away. Write to us at hello@pachamamatributes.com — we respond with care, and always as quickly as we can.
With love,
Virginia