Cremation Association of North America (CANA)
  • About CANA
    • Staff List
    • Code of Cremation Practice
    • Position Statements
    • History of Cremation
    • Board of Directors >
      • Get Involved with CANA
    • Media >
      • News
    • CANA Member Directory
    • Contact Us
  • Choosing Cremation
    • Transport of Cremated Remains
    • Cremation Process
    • Arranging for Cremation >
      • Memorial Options
      • Cremation Services
      • Planning and Payment
      • Choosing a Provider
    • Find Local CANA Members
  • For Practitioners
    • Why Join CANA? >
      • CANA Member Benefits
      • Member Login
    • Self Care for Funeral Professionals
    • Create Your Profile
    • CANA Publications >
      • CANA Cremationist Magazine
      • Blog
      • CANA's Cremation Brochure Series
      • Industry Statistical Information
    • CANA Marketplace
    • 2025 Media Kit
    • Crematory Management Program
    • CANA PR Toolkit
    • Find Local CANA Members
  • Education
    • Access Your Online Courses
    • Crematory Operator Certification >
      • COCP - In English
      • COCP - en français
      • COCP - en Español
      • Pet Cremation (CPCO)
      • Alabama Refresher Program
      • Illinois Refresher Course
    • Cremation Specialist Certification
    • Business Administration Certification
    • Continuing Education Online
    • Pet Aftercare
    • Natural Organic Reduction >
      • Natural Organic Reduction Operations Certification
    • Digital Certificates & Badges
    • Academic Scholarships
    • Calendar of Events
    • Webinars
    • 107th Convention
    • 2026 Symposium
  • Career Center
  • About CANA
    • Staff List
    • Code of Cremation Practice
    • Position Statements
    • History of Cremation
    • Board of Directors >
      • Get Involved with CANA
    • Media >
      • News
    • CANA Member Directory
    • Contact Us
  • Choosing Cremation
    • Transport of Cremated Remains
    • Cremation Process
    • Arranging for Cremation >
      • Memorial Options
      • Cremation Services
      • Planning and Payment
      • Choosing a Provider
    • Find Local CANA Members
  • For Practitioners
    • Why Join CANA? >
      • CANA Member Benefits
      • Member Login
    • Self Care for Funeral Professionals
    • Create Your Profile
    • CANA Publications >
      • CANA Cremationist Magazine
      • Blog
      • CANA's Cremation Brochure Series
      • Industry Statistical Information
    • CANA Marketplace
    • 2025 Media Kit
    • Crematory Management Program
    • CANA PR Toolkit
    • Find Local CANA Members
  • Education
    • Access Your Online Courses
    • Crematory Operator Certification >
      • COCP - In English
      • COCP - en français
      • COCP - en Español
      • Pet Cremation (CPCO)
      • Alabama Refresher Program
      • Illinois Refresher Course
    • Cremation Specialist Certification
    • Business Administration Certification
    • Continuing Education Online
    • Pet Aftercare
    • Natural Organic Reduction >
      • Natural Organic Reduction Operations Certification
    • Digital Certificates & Badges
    • Academic Scholarships
    • Calendar of Events
    • Webinars
    • 107th Convention
    • 2026 Symposium
  • Career Center

News

ARTICLE

Date ArticleType
9/19/2022 4:00:00 AM CANA Press Release

CANA/Passages Conference Demonstrates The Passion Behind Green Funerals

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Barbara Kemmis
Phone: (312) 245-1077
499 Northgate Parkway
Wheeling, IL 60090-2646
Barbara@cremationassociation.org

CANA/PASSAGES CONFERENCE DEMONSTRATES THE PASSION BEHIND GREEN FUNERALS

WHEELING, IL—More than sixty funeral directors, cemeterians, cremationists, composters, hydrolyzers, and suppliers from across the spectrum of green funeral practices gathered in Albuquerque, New Mexico for the 2022 Green Funeral Conference hosted by the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) and Passages International, Inc. in September. Together, this group discussed how to provide green solutions to families, how to market these solutions, and what some emerging trends are entering the funeral profession.

Surveys demonstrate that over 50% of consumers are interested in a greener funeral option. As Darren Crouch, Founder of Passages International, says, “For people to go above and beyond, to seek out these options — it speaks to the passion behind it and the lengths people will go to accomplish this type of event or service.” The professionals who gathered in Albuquerque represent practitioners who are ready to go above and beyond for their passionate, eco-conscious communities.

Presenters included Rachel Essig and Jodie Buller, sponsored by The Green Burial Council, who discussed cemetery practices ranging from conservation to hybrid options in Cemeteries in Shades of Green. Tom Antram of local business French Funerals explained how his facility explored Greening Cremation. Return Home leaders Brie Smith and Katey Houston took a look at both natural organic reduction as an Emerging Trend and viral marketing on TikTok. Passages International’s marketing staff Elizabeth Davis and Kilian Rempen contributed their expertise to the Articulating Green session. All attendees benefited from hands-on demonstrations of bamboo caskets, alternative containers, and natural shrouds, as well as a closing workshop reflecting on the solutions for their business.

The meeting boasted plenty of time to interact socially. Attendees were treated to an opening reception hosted by Starmark Cremation Products, offering an opportunity to connect with one another before sessions began. Passages continued the hospitality by welcoming everyone to tour their local office while enjoying delicious hors d’oeuvres. Nomis Publications and Resomation, Ltd. joined as event sponsors to make the experience a success for all.

Look for more information in the future about upcoming green topics and conferences from CANA. In the meantime, save the date for the 2023 Cremation Symposium at The LINQ Hotel + Experience on the Las Vegas Strip from February 8-10, 2023 and the 105th Cremation Innovation Convention at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. in August 9-11, 2023. Learn more at: goCANA.org/ignitenow.

ABOUT CANA

Founded in 1913, the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) is an international organization of over 3,500 members, composed of funeral homes, cemeteries, crematories, industry suppliers, and consultants. CANA members believe that cremation is preparation for memorialization.

ABOUT PASSAGES INTERNATIONAL

Passages International, Inc. has led the green sector of the funeral industry for 20 years, with the largest selection of innovative, environmentally-friendly urns, caskets, and memorial products. For more information on green funerals and their benefits visit www.agreenerfuneral.org.For more information on Passages products or Fair Trade, visit www.passagesinternational.com.

Copyright 2000-2025 Cremation Assoc. of North America. All rights reserved.
499 Northgate Parkway, Wheeling, IL 60090-2646
v 312.245.1077 f 312.321.4098
[email protected]
Privacy Policy | Liability Disclaimers

Quick Links

home
about
media
statistics
contact us
login
Picture