A unique funeral product will be introduced to the public this week in Canada under the fitting name of Tribute Caskets. The founders of this organization can be seen pitching this product on Dragons' Den, airing Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011 at 8 p.m. on CBC Television.
Tribute Caskets are made using recycled content fibreboard, non-toxic starch based glues and custom printed in a variety of customized designs. This product's design options are endless -- one can view a catalogue and choose a casket that include photos of their lifetime, images of their favorite pastime, a meaningful quote or verse ...virtually any "picture" that tells the story of an individual's unique life.
"This product fills a unique need, as consumers increasingly search for a more affordable and environmentally responsible memorial option that truly defines and celebrates the way they have lived their lives." says president, Mike Salisbury.
The idea came to him at the funeral of a close friend. "Everyone was awkwardly standing around wondering what to say. It was quite uncomfortable. I wondered how it would be different if the focus were on the great memories of his life rather than on the circumstances of his tragic death."
Several years later Salisbury came across the idea of custom printed caskets while researching environmentally friendly funeral products for the Natural Burial Co-operative. "It seemed to be a perfect mix of practicality and creative expression. I envisioned people gathered around at the funeral, sharing memories about how mom loved her garden or Jimmy was a great hockey player... this product offers people the opportunity for a more personal and focused way to express their grief during such a moment of loss and reflection." said Salisbury.
Since appearing before the Dragon's earlier in the year, Salisbury and his partners have been busy setting up production and getting feedback from funeral homes. "The response from the public and funeral homes has been remarkable" he says "we hope to have Tribute Caskets available in Ontario funeral homes later this summer". This innovative and highly personal type of memorial is manufactured locally in Guelph, Ontario.
Today's generation has embraced environmental awareness like never before; and we're actively doing our individual parts to protect nature and reduce, re-use, recycle. We're expressing our personalities and values more and more; though the products we purchase, the way we choose to spend our time and how we communicate with others.
"Now the time has come for these cultural changes to be represented in our end-of-life decision about our funeral wishes and plans." states Salisbury "Finally there's a new end-of-life product available that is kind to the environment, and reflects who we are and how we have lived our lives; our interests, passions and personality."
"We are grateful for all the support we've received during our strategic development phase, and would be pleased to speak to local media outlets about our product and our experience presenting to the Dragons" says Mike Salisbury, President of Tribute Caskets.
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Snappy Socks by Corla on DD 1by ThePentamom8,472 views
WHAT A STUPID IDEA. ECO FRIENDLY CASKETS??? Yeah that's what I will be thinking when I'm dead. " I am glad they used Eco friendly caskets to put me 6 feet under" hopefully I will not be scheduled to be buried when it's raining.
hardcorebadboy01 4 months ago
Do well, gents from Guelph! ;) I love this idea, especially if one is going to be cremated. Great product!
Anni M
TheBlueRose2008 11 months ago
hahaha 'fall out of the bottom before he/she is in the ground'
zain19 11 months ago