Of all bodies cremated in the United States in 1996, nearly 41 percent had their remains interred at a cemetery. Another 36 percent of remains were given to family members to take home. These remains were believed to have been buried, placed in a columbarium, scattered or kept at home. The remaining 5 percent of all cremated remains were not claimed. Unclaimed remains generally are stored by cemeteries or funeral homes or disposed of in other legal means, the report says.
Funeral homes sell some products, such as urns.
But other products and services are sold on the open market, especially via the Internet. The EternaLight comes in two sizes, one small enough to be held in your palm and the other more appropriate for prominent display. Each unit features a small drawer in the base where a portion of the loved one's cremated remains may be kept. The base supports a glass dome covering an electronically simulated flame. The glass may be etched with type or a design.