The Ritual
A Return Without Harm
When we began designing TURN, we asked ourselves a question that most people avoid:
What really happens to us—and the earth—when we die?
We studied the rituals, the products, the ceremonies.
And we realized something painful:
Even in death, we leave behind a footprint.
We fill the earth with what doesn’t belong in it.
Polished wood coated in chemical varnish.
Metal casings that will never rust away.
Synthetic linings, formaldehyde, glue, plastic, ash-filled containers sealed for centuries.
All built to resist time—in a world that is meant to transform. But nature doesn’t hold on. It releases.
It breaks down. It feeds itself. It moves forward.
That’s where TURN begins.
With materials that belong to the earth.
How to use it, when, and why it matters.
Why We Created This Guide
Death is overwhelming. The logistics shouldn't be.
We’ve seen it too often—grieving families handed confusing paperwork, unfamiliar rituals, or urns that come with no real direction. It’s one of the most emotional moments in life, yet too many people are left wondering, “What do I do now?”
That’s why we created this guide.
Not as a rulebook, but as a companion.
Something to walk you through each step—clearly, gently, and without pressure. From how to order, to what to expect at the crematorium, to how and when to plant the urn. Whether you're preparing in advance or making decisions in the moment, we want you to feel supported. Grounded. Resourced.
Because when everything feels uncertain, even knowing the next small step can be a relief.
This isn’t just about what to do. It’s about creating space to do it meaningfully. At your own pace. In your own way.
Let’s begin.
The Ritual
1. Order With Intention
Order your TURN urn directly from our website. Each one is:
-
Biodegradable and dual-state (stable dry, compostable wet)
-
Delivered discreetly in recyclable packaging
Your box includes:
1 TURN urn | Instructions & care card | Optional: soil enhancer, seeds or sapling, farewell prompts
2. Transfer the Ashes
Bring the urn to your crematorium or funeral home.
They will:
-
Transfer the ashes with care
-
Seal the urn with biodegradable materials
🕊 Most providers are familiar with eco-urns. Unsure? Reach out—we’ll help.
3. Choose the Next Step
TURN adapts to your process:
-
Keep it indoors—stable and timeless
-
Plant it outdoors when you're ready
-
Transform it—scatter ashes
No rush. This is your process.
4. Prepare the Ground
When the time feels right:
-
Find healthy, moist soil
-
Dig 30–40 cm deep
-
Gather tools or invite loved ones for a quiet ritual
This can be done alon or with family, or as a ritual.
5. Plant the Urn
-
Place the sealed urn into the earth
-
If using a tree or seedling, position it directly above or nearby—its roots will absorb the urn’s nutrients over time
-
Cover with soil, press gently, and water if needed
-
Take a moment. Read a poem. Stay silent. Plant a vow. This is your time.
This is the turning point—where memory meets nature, and something begins again
7. Let Life Continue
In 3–6 months:
-
The urn naturally returns to the earth
-
Soil is enriched, roots deepen
-
Memory becomes something living
No waste. Just a return to the cycle.
6. Mark the Place (Optional)
-
Leave it unmarked
-
Use a stone or aTURN rim
-
Record GPS if in a forest sanctuary
-
Make a living memorial
Not for permanence—but for presence.
Optional: Grow a Memory
You can choose to grow:
-
A tree (oak, birch, beech, linden, etc.)
-
A bed of wildflowers or herbs
-
A meaningful plant that symbolizes the person you’re honoring
Use your own, or select our Memorial Growing Kit with local seed varieties, soil enhancer, and instructions tailored to TURN’s breakdown timeline.
Let This Be the End of Worry
We design TURN to carry the weight—so you don’t have to. Because in the moments that feel the heaviest, even simple decisions can feel impossible.
Whether you are grieving now or planning ahead, this isn’t just a burial object.
It’s a ritual. A decision with depth. A gesture of peace—for you, your loved ones, and the planet.
Need Help?
We’re not just a store. We’re a support system.
Reach out if you need guidance on:
-
Talking to crematoriums or burial services
-
Finding planting-friendly sites
-
Choosing the right ritual for your situation
📦 Join the waitlist to access our upcoming kits, journals, and farewell tools