Beyond the grave: Convention shows latest trends in funeral services

The latest trends in funeral services were on display Wednesday in Charlottetown, where the Funeral Service Association of Canada is holding its annual convention.

Yves Berthiaume, president-elect of the association, said the funeral industry is rapidly changing due to technology.

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"Technology has changed with video, mementos for the ritual," he said.

Berthiaume said technologyallows for new elements in funerals such as videos and live feeds where people can share their memories and have it display on a screen.

Eco-friendly burial

Another growing trend is environmentally friendly burial options.

"People are looking a lot for new alternatives in the funeral industry," said Greg Watier of Bios Canada, a company that sells biodegradable urns that can grow trees using ashes.

"The concept of being able to give back when you'll be gone ... there's a lot of enthusiam."

But Watier said these kinds of urns are a big commitment and not for everybody.

"You have to be cautious about where you're going to plant that tree and your capacity to grow that tree."

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