Making end of life choices for your pet is one of the hardest things to plan. Or even imagine having to plan. It can feel surreal to be making some of the hardest decisions of your life. Despite the anxiety and pressures, there is also reverence in planning a beautiful transition for someone who’s so special to you.
Though it can be overwhelming, it’s also common to want options that not only honor your pet but also your life and values. This may include an awareness of your environmental footprint and choosing eco-friendly options when possible.
Thankfully, there are options, and I’ve got a few that I did a deep dive on so you don’t have to.
Maybe you’re planning ahead or maybe you’re reading this needing to make decisions quickly. End of life planning might be one of the few things in grief that actually feels like you do have control over. I’m grateful that you’re reading this and hope it provides a few ideas for eco-friendly end-of-life options and alternatives.
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Euthabag
When the time comes to say goodbye, even the smallest details are big. One of those details is how your pet’s body is cared for immediately after their passing. Traditional plastic bags are commonly used by veterinary clinics and with in-home euthanasia. Though that is the norm, it might not be what you’d choose. Euthabag is a safe, respectful, customizable, and loving alternative.
And, yes — you have every right to request that the Euthabag you purchase be used instead of plastic. They are completely safe for both cremation and burial.
To me, the personalization is the most special part about choosing a Euthabag. You can get creative with simple markers or paints. You choose how you’ll make the outside of this vessel that will carry your beloved pet, personalized with love.
Maybe it’s a poem, short sentiment, or little selfie painting of the two of you. Maybe it’s your handprint and their paw print next to each other. Other people who know and love your pet may want to add their own note. Perhaps an artistic design, meant to bring a sense of beauty and peace through their transition.
You can even write a letter to include inside with your pet, gently tucked right next to their heart.
These special details can be a meaningful coping tool within anticipatory grief as you prepare for their send off.
Aquamation
By its name, you might already guess what aquamation is — a gentle, water-based alternative to traditional flame-based cremation. The process, which uses heated, flowing water and an alkaline solution, gradually returns the body to its own natural element; water. Aquamation emits nothing into the atmosphere, has a low carbon footprint, and is more energy efficient than cremation, making it a significant eco-friendly option.
Aquamation still allows for your beloved pet’s remains returned to you. In fact, a bit different than with cremation, remains returned after aquamation are generally a larger volume, whiter, and have a finer consistency.
Thankfully, aquamation is becoming more commonly available. You can search online for pet aquamation near me to see if there are any providers close to you. If this is something that you want to explore, you can reach out to the provider with questions. They will be able to help with questions, preparation, and even coordination of transport to their facility.
The Living Urn
For many pet parents, receiving your pet’s ashes back is a meaningful way to keep them close. As tough as it can be, having them home with you can bring a sense of comfort and tangible bond.
You may find yourself considering doing something sustainable with all or some of their ashes. A thoughtful option to explore is eco-friendly urns and memorials that honor both your pet’s life as well as the environment.
The Living Urn offers beautiful, green alternatives. You can honor your pet’s life by allowing their ashes to be part of nurturing new growth — a living tribute to your love with a biodegradable urn and live tree (or you can purchase your tree locally). Other options include beautiful wooden urn planters, water soluble urns, living glass orbs crafted with their ashes (my favorite), and even a number of pocket sized keepsakes made from natural materials.
Remembrance items like these can transform traditional urns into something that evoke nurturing and growth. A lasting, beautiful connection.
Alternative Releases
In times of deep grief, we often look for symbolic acts of release; something that represents love and sending a piece of your heart into the universe. Balloons, lanterns, and even butterfly releases are popular traditions, though they can unintentionally harm both wildlife and the environment. Thankfully, there are meaningful alternatives that still honor your love in a sustainable way.
Bubbles
Releasing bubbles is a beautiful ritual that it can be done anywhere, any time. Perhaps during a planned memorial service or more privately on your own, or on a hike at your special spot. Whatever speaks to your heart. Bubbles naturally represent fragility and fleetingness, along with the beauty and wonder of life. Paired with a memorial reading or words that simply come to you, releasing bubbles can be a new meaningful ritual when remembering your beloved pet.
Flying Wish Paper
If you’ve never heard of Flying Wish Paper®, it’s a very sweet alternative to traditional releases. The premise behind Flying Wish Paper® is “write it, light it, watch it fly”. On a small square of paper with a pencil, you write your wishes, thoughts, or intentions. Then after rolling the paper into a cylinder shape, touch the corner of the paper with a flame. As it burns, the paper curls upward into the air, floating briefly before turning to ash. The bit of ash that drifts back down can be mixed in plant soil, left out for nature to keep, or used in an artistic creation.
Flying Wish Paper® can be a meaningful way to honor hopes, memories, or the love shared with your pet in a tangible, gentle way.
A few important tips:
- Since a match or lighter is involved, use caution and be mindful of safety. Always light your Flying Wish Paper® on the platform that it comes with or on a fire-safe surface, and keep water nearby, just in case. Make sure other pets and kids are not close.
- Choose a Wish Paper color that is on the lighter side so that you can see what you’re writing.
- Crumple the Wish Paper gently into a loose ball, then smooth it back out before writing. This helps it burn and float more easily from the cylinder shape.
- Wish Paper is ok to use inside or outside, with caution either way.
Wildflower Seeds
Something beautiful being planted or scattered during one of the hardest times is an impactful way to capture the connection between love and grief. Wildflower seeds can be scattered in your yard or garden, in a planter, or even at special spots on a trail or walking route.
As the flowers bloom, they become a beautiful, living reminder of your pet’s presence and how something lovely can grow even during heartbreak.
Wildflowers are not only low maintenance, they also support our pollinators. They attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, and even offer little creatures shelter from rain, wind, and heat. A wildflower garden will do its part to help the ecosystem by keeping these little ones safe.
Embracing eco-friendly options, even in moments of deep sadness and loss, may seem like small steps, but they can have a meaningful impact on both the environment and your well-being. Choosing environmentally conscious alternatives can be a way to nurture the spirit within you that cares deeply for your beloved pet, for the world, and for all of its creatures.
