You are responsible for the estate of a loved one, or you have decided to make your own funeral arrangements. Between the choice of a casket, the funeral and the disposition of the body, there are so many details to consider.
We answer some of the questions you may face when planning a funeral.
What is the most environmentally friendly funeral technique?
Funeral techniques that have been part of our culture for generations are often far from being the most ecological. Quebecers are striving to make more environmentally responsible choices while they are alive and they want to do the same when they die.
In the last decade, the funeral industry has gone green.
Embalming: a toxic process for the environment and for humans
More and more people are choosing to avoid conservation care such as embalming in order to reduce the use of chemicals that will be released into the atmosphere or the soil. In addition, the antiseptic products used, such as formaldehyde, are also carcinogenic and harmful to the person performing the care.
You should know that you are not required by law to use this practice. Funeral homes have refrigerators that can keep the body intact for several days. You can therefore specify in your will that you prefer not to have thanatopraxy.
The wooden casket: there are other more economical and ecological options
According to Radio-Canada, a South African study has shown that the biggest pollutant in cemeteries is the coffin. The latter often contains toxic products for the environment such as cadmium and lead.
In Quebec, the law does not allow us to put the body directly into the ground. However, there are other options that are more environmentally friendly - and less expensive - than the traditional wooden casket.
Among other services, our partner, Direct Cremation Services, offers direct cremation in Montreal and throughout Quebec. This practice is an affordable alternative to traditional funeral services.
Cardboard coffins and biodegradable urns are also less expensive and have a smaller ecological footprint. Our partner Azur Funeral Services Inc. offers an ecological cinerary container with cremation.
What are the alternatives to cremation and burial?
Cremation and burial are the most common practices in Quebec. These are the two most common options when it comes to disposing of the body of a deceased person. However, there are many other options.
Here are some of them.
Humusation : Human composting
According to an article published by Quebec Science,humusation is similar to tabletop composting. The body of the deceased is covered with wood, alfalfa and straw and placed in a controlled environment. In only 30 days, the remains - including teeth and bones - are transformed into compost.
The potting soil produced - about 1 m³ - is then used to fertilize soils that have been depleted by deforestation.
What if you could become a tree after death?
The Tree of Life is a beautiful way to give back to the earth and participate in the cycle of life while commemorating your loved one. Instead of burying your loved one's ashes in a cemetery, you can use them to nurture a tree that you have planted or chosen from the Tree of Life Planting.
Aquamation: an ecological and economical choice
Aquamation is a water-based cremation process that combines heat and alkalinity with circulating water. This economical and energy efficient process produces no CO2 in the atmosphere.
The bones of the deceased are then reduced to dust and the ashes are given to the loved ones, allowing them to dispose of them according to the wishes of their loved one. Aquamation is available throughout Quebec. Visit aquamation.ca if you are interested in this technique.
How to organize an original funeral?
Funeral rituals are used to commemorate the memory of a loved one and to honor the life they lived. It is only natural to want the ceremony to reflect the deceased and be as unique as the loved one.
You can choose to plan the celebration yourself from start to finish, or add personalized touches to a more traditional ceremony. We invite you to read our article“The Death of a Loved One: How to Say Goodbye”for more details on organizing a funeral.
Where can I scatter ashes?
In Quebec, there is no provincial law restricting the scattering of ashes in nature. It simply states that it must be done with respect for the deceased, and that the ashes must not constitute a nuisance.
However, if you choose a public place, be aware that certain municipal laws may prevent it. We strongly advise you to check with your municipality before planning to do so.
If you don't feel ready to let go of your loved one's ashes, you can keep a small amount in a reliquary. These small objects allow you to respect the wishes of the deceased while listening to your own needs.
What is the funeral code?
The Corporation des Thanatologues du Québec (CTQ) is a non-profit association that represents professionals in the funeral field.
The CTQ Code of Ethics covers many aspects of funeral service, including:
- Respect for confidentiality
- Fair fees
- High standards of professionalism
- Respect for the religious beliefs of everyone
- Use the services of a licensed or certified thanatopractor
- Not cease to act on behalf of a client except on reasonable grounds
If you are looking for a funeral home to handle your funeral arrangements or those of a loved one, the CTQ website is a good place to start your search. It contains a list of companies that are members of the organization and therefore adhere to its code of ethics.
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