The preservation of nature and the celebration of life form an inseparable duo in today's funeral services.
More and more Quebecers are choosing eco-responsible options to pay their last respects to a loved one while protecting the environment.
Although some practices are still emerging, the Forêt de la seconde vie ecoforest cemetery stands out as a pioneer: it is the only ecoforest cemetery in Quebec, the only one with a registered protection and conservation servitude in perpetuity, and the only one listed in the Répertoire des aires conservées du Québec.
An innovation that redefines funeral industry standards.
Here are four inspiring practices that contribute to this evolution.
1. The forest protection easement
Ecoforest cemeteries are increasingly adopting the forest protection easement, a legal commitment that guarantees the perpetual preservation of biodiversity.
This easement prohibits any long-term development or operation and maintains the ecological integrity of the environment.
In this way, theend is only the beginning for the deceased, who will contribute to the ecological richness of the site for generations to come.
2. Taking root: ecoforest burial
In the Forêt de la seconde vie, ashes are scattered at the foot of a tree in an ecoforest cemetery.
It reduces the ecological footprint by eliminating the need for traditional headstones or coffins.
It's a way of giving ourselves to nature, offering a final gesture of gratitude to the forest.
This ecoforest burial preserves natural harmony while creating an intimate, symbolic link between the deceased and the environment.
3. Becoming a tree at death
Many families choose to purchase their own plot and plant a tree at the time of burial.
This is a fairly common practice, but conditions vary greatly from one funeral home to another.
If you're interested in this service, be sure to ask about tree care after planting. For example, at the Forêt de la seconde vie, once you've chosen a tree species and it's well rooted, a forestry easement legally obliges the cemetery to ensure its long-term preservation.
More than a simple act of commemoration, this tree actively contributes to forest regeneration and the creation of wildlife habitats. Each tree planted is a living legacy, a concrete commitment to contribute to a collective ecological success.
Against a backdrop of climate change, this practice offers the prospect of hope and renewal.
4. Sustainable management of cemetery sites
Ecological cemetery management goes far beyond the absence of heavy structures.
It includes the preservation of biodiversity, the restricted use of pesticides and herbicides, and the reasoned maintenance of the land. Minimalist landscaping is favoured, allowing the forest to express itself in all its splendour.
This approach reduces the human footprint and promotes the well-being of flora and fauna.
Choosing a funeral home for eco-responsible funeral practices
Located in Sainte-Sophie, the Forêt de la seconde vie brings together all these new practices in a place of respect and harmony.
Its team of caring, attentive professionals supports families in their mourning process, while taking care to honor the environment.
Through its rooting process, the Forêt de la seconde vie offers an ecoforest burial service, the possibility of planting a commemorative tree and the guarantee of a forest protection easement to preserve the site in the long term.
Choosing the Forêt de la seconde vie is a powerful gesture not only for your loved one, but also for nature, which renews and grows thanks to our commitment.
