Custom engraved and hand painted pottery pet urns on a wall in a garden

Eco-friendly pet urns: a sustainable way to say goodbye

Eco-Friendly Pet Urns: A Gentle, Sustainable Way to Say Goodbye

Saying goodbye to a beloved pet can be incredibly difficult. For many of us, pets are not just animals; they are family — companions who share in life’s ups and downs. When the time comes to part ways, finding a gentle, eco-friendly way to say goodbye can offer comfort. Eco-friendly pet urns provide a simple, sustainable way to honour your pet while keeping their memory close.

What Makes a Pet Urn Eco-Friendly?

An eco-friendly pet urn is created with care for both people and the planet. This can include:

  • Natural materials such as clay, wood, or bamboo, chosen for their minimal environmental impact

  • Local craftsmanship, supporting handmade work rather than mass-produced items shipped long distances

  • Sustainable practices, including small-batch pottery, recycled or minimal packaging, and low-impact production methods

At Garlic Pottery, every pet urn is handmade in Cheltenham using locally sourced clays and traditional pottery techniques. Each piece is unique — no two are ever the same — and designed to be a lasting, natural tribute to your pet.

Why Choose a Sustainable Pet Urn?

When you’ve shared your life with an animal, it’s natural to want their memorial to reflect the love and respect you felt for them. Choosing a sustainable urn can feel like one final act of kindness — to your pet, to yourself, and to the world around you. It’s a quiet way to say thank you for all the joy they brought, while making a mindful choice that aligns with your values.

Considering Biodegradable Pet Urns

Many people find comfort in the idea of returning their pet’s ashes to the earth. Biodegradable pet urns are designed to gently break down over time and are often made from natural materials such as unglazed clay, sand, or recycled elements. These are typically chosen for burial in a garden or meaningful outdoor space.

While Garlic Pottery currently focuses on durable, eco-conscious ceramic urns designed for keeping at home, biodegradable urns are an option some pet owners explore depending on how they wish to memorialise their companion. Even when kept indoors, natural pottery remains an environmentally friendly choice — free from plastic and synthetic materials, made to last, and created with intention.

Supporting Small Makers and Mindful Choices

Choosing a handmade pet urn isn’t only better for the environment; it supports a slower, more thoughtful way of creating. Each Garlic Pottery urn is shaped, glazed, and finished by hand. That personal touch means your pet’s urn isn’t just a vessel for ashes, but a meaningful piece that reflects their spirit and the bond you shared.

Finding the Right Memorial for You

Sustainability looks different for everyone. For some, it’s choosing natural materials and local craftsmanship. For others, it’s selecting a timeless handmade urn that can remain in the home as a comforting reminder for years to come. Whatever feels right, the most important thing is that your choice brings you peace and honours the love you shared.

Explore Eco-Friendly Pet Urns

You can browse Garlic Pottery’s eco-friendly pet urn collection to find a handmade piece that aligns with your values and feels right for your pet. Each urn is crafted with care in Cheltenham and sent using sustainable packaging — a thoughtful tribute that’s kind to the earth.