The NFDA (National Funeral Directors Association) Cremation and Burial Report estimates that by 2035, the cremation rate in the U.S. will reach almost 77%. Today that number is almost 60%.

The increase in demand for cremation is the result of a lot of factors, including cost: In 2016, the median cost of a funeral was around $8,000, according to NFDA statistics; caskets alone cost between $2,000 and $10,000. The same statistics show the cost of a direct cremation in 2016 was $2,400.

Everybody gets the basic idea behind cremation – but when it comes time to make death care decisions, a lot of questions come up. People suddently realize they don’t know the rules, logistics, options. In that moment it’s nice to provide them with answers.

Dr. Caitlyn Hauke’s new free course, Cremation Guidebook– officially launching January 19th – arms you with answers to the most common consumer questions. Anyone can take this short course, but it’s designed with professionals in mind. Our goal is to arm you with enough knowledge to help your clients make decisions they are happy about.

Dr. Hauke – who is the current board president of the Green Burial Council – will explain the basics and share some of the innovative products and practices. The course is offered in partnership with Life Forest®, where Dr. Hauke is Lead Cemeterian. Registration is open now, but the course doesn’t officially launch until January. You can grab your seat now and we’ll reach back out when it goes live.

Most Americans choose cremation when they die. In this course you’ll learn the basics of cremation, including creative and environmentally friendly options for the disposition of cremated remains.

Photo: Life Forest®