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Space in cities is at a premium, and with the population expected to hit 10 billion by 2050 and ever more people moving in to them, it’s only going to become more difficult.
Cemeteries in London can be as large as more than 100 acres, “but the way we use the space is not sustainable,” Dr Julie Rugg of the University of York’s Cemetery Research Group told the Guardian.
A startup from Spain might be able to change that, by encouraging people to grow a tree in your place instead of placing a gravestone. This can still be planted at a cemetery, or anywhere of your choosing, but will be a living thing that also helps sustain life and a productive use of space.
Bios Urn launched on Kickstarter and reached its goal in no time at all. The product allows you to bury cremated remains with a seed that should turn into a tree – but also comes with a portable container that automatically waters the plant with the exact amount of liquid needed. How does it know that? Because the incubator is embedded with a sensor.
Other information measured is the plant’s temperature, moisture and electrical conductivity, which are then displayed on a smartphone app.
Bios Urn co-founder Roger Moline told the Verge that the aim is to sustain a connection: “The fact that you can have a living thing growing from the remains of someone who passed away — it’s really beautiful or even poetic, in some way.”
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The urns will be shipped with a selection of five seeds – maple, gingko, ash, beech, or pine – and will only grow as large as the pot allows, although you can transplant the tree. Different seeds to those provided will also work fine with the tech.
The Bios Urn will not be cheap. Shipping starts in May from around 550 euro (£429) – but for many people, being able to nurture the tree will make that worth it.
