The loss of a loved one is something no one wants to face. At a time of such sorrow, the thought of funeral planning can seem overwhelming. It's important to find a memorial funeral home that is sensitive to your family's particular needs and that can provide services to meet those needs.
Today's choices in funeral arrangements in the Okanagan Valley are vast. They can include traditional graveside service, direct cremation in Kelowna or green burial, among others. Two methods gaining popularity and acceptance are green burial and cremation.
Here's what you need to know about these practices.
What is green burial?
The purpose of green burial is to provide an environmentally-friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional burial practices. Methods used in green burial can eliminate the need for embalming, vaults and even coffins. This is appealing to many as a means of lessening their carbon footprint. Green burial methods reduce energy consumption, are safe for the environment and water table, offer healthier working conditions for service providers and conserve natural resources. These practices can also significantly reduce funeral costs.
Understanding cremation
Cremation is an increasingly in-demand disposition method. In fact, approximately 75% of Canadians opted for cremation in 2021. The likely reason for the popularity of this service is due to its simplicity and affordability. In addition, cremation greatly reduces the use of land resources.
It also provides loved ones with flexibility in their memorial and funeral preferences. Cremated remains can be buried in various locations such as a mausoleum, memorial garden, private land or family cemetery plot. Burials of remains may include graveside services if you wish, as a way to memorialize loved ones. Some individuals prefer direct cremation. This approach eliminates the viewing or visitation aspect entirely. You may also choose to scatter the remains in a special place or keep them in one or more urns so that loved ones can feel close to the deceased.
Options to meet your needs
Whether your loved one provided advance direction or you are responsible for all decision-making, Everden Rust, a memorial funeral home in Kelowna, is committed to guiding you through this process with sensitivity and care. Having a variety of funerary options available and the ability to customize a plan that works for you is key. Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of green burial and cremation so that you can feel confident in your funeral planning decisions.