Blog Archives - Page 8 of 8 - Crémation Montréal

The Sand Urn: Where Ecology Meets Finesse

For those who have always loved the sound of the sea, the sand and the calm that the beach brings, Crématorium Montréal, in partnership with Atelier Côtier, provides an option of a sand urn for the ashes of the deceased. Atelier Côtier, a small company located in the Magdalen Islands, creates products inspired by the coastal environment, made out of sand that is recovered from dredging the entrance to the port of Grande-Entrée. Through the Company’s environmental concerns and also through its awareness of the importance of protecting the islands, the sand recovered in this way frees up the entrance to the port where tons of sand is piled up, limiting access to the boats there, as a result.

Opting for a sand urn is therefore both an ecological and an original solution. All crafted with elegance and finesse, the urns created in this way are sustainable and resistant. Each urn is handmade with the greatest care in order to ensure a unique, high-quality product. The urns can also be sealed and even include a reliquary.

Atelier Côtier was founded in 1981. Formerly called Artisans du sable, this small company from the Islands has significantly grown and developed since it was first established. Nicole Grégoire and Albert Cummings initially wanted to be able to create handmade products out of sand, a natural resource of the Magdalen Islands and, in so doing, enable them to interact directly with the visitors to the Islands. In the beginning, the two craftsmen focused solely on producing sand-built lampshades. However, after many experiments and research, they succeeded in developing a substance that solidifies the sand particles, so that they could create a compound halfway between sand and stone. This innovation then led them to develop a whole range of products, such as lamps, candle holders, small sand ornaments and funeral urns.

Very environmentally-minded, Atelier Côtier is a member of the international association 1% for the Planet. In this manner, the Company donates 1% of its profits to the Société de conservation des Îles de la Madeleine, an association that aims to promote the protection of the islands’ natural environments.

At Crématorium Montréal, we are proud to encourage the local economy by offering you local products. The urns made by these craftsmen from the Magdalen Islands will meet the simplicity and sustainability criteria of people concerned about the environment, while having a unique style. Don’t hesitate to contact us for full details on this type of urn.

In Harmony With Nature, Thanks To Our Biodegradable Urns

For a number of years now, the word “environment” has been associated with the various aspects of our lives, and the death care industry is no exception. For many people concerned about respecting the environment and nature, it is of the utmost importance that their deaths reflect their ecological values. That is why the Montreal Crematorium has developed a partnership with Bio Urn Canada, a Canadian company, to offer a range of ecological urns to choose from.

Designed in Quebec since 2010 , the urns provided by Bio Urn Canada are the first to be fully biodegradable. Four types of wood are available to create these urns: blue spruce, common cedar, balsam fir and white pine. Once the type of wood has been selected, clients can choose from a variety of options of tree cuttings. The chosen tree cutting is then placed in the urn, with the ashes of the deceased, and the urn can be planted at the location desired. The tree cutting will consequently feed on the nutrients of the ashes to create a magnificent tree, thereby giving the deceased a second life.

In perfect harmony with nature, the choice of a biodegradable urn is ideal for nature lovers or for those who wish to die while eliminating any trace of toxic material that may be found in the soil. Planting a tree makes it possible to create natural habitats for animals and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, while beautifying the landscape.

Don’t hesitate to contact us at the Montreal Crematorium to learn more about the various ecological urn options we offer, because planting a tree is planting life.