Today's families are often incorporating their values into their memorial plans -- including families who are environmentally conscious and seeking eco-friendly farewells.

Here are five fresh ideas for remembering a loved one with environmental values:

1. Ask those attending the calling hours or memorial service to car pool, take public transportation, walk, or bike to the event.

2. Provide baskets to recycle service folders, programs, or prayer cards.

3. Expand on the memorial tree idea by giving tree saplings (or other plants or seeds) to close family members or all memorial service attendees.

4. Plan a family & friends hike -- perhaps to his/her favorite hiking destination -- as part of memorial activities.

5. Buy local -- Choose urns or caskets made in your state, use local flower growers (such as farmers market sellers), and consider local farmers / local foods for any refreshments.