Interest in eco-friendly or green funerals has grown as people look for ways to cut their carbon footprint. According to a survey by the National Funeral Directors Association, nearly 54 percent of Americans are considering a green burial, and 72 percent of cemeteries report increased demand. Would you consider a green funeral?

Many of us assume that our families know what we would want to happen if we became incapacitated or died suddenly. But the reality may be that they don’t know. It is important for you to make your wishes known to your loved ones and healthcare providers as soon as possible. Your family and caregivers will need time to prepare for your passing and ensure that your wishes are fulfilled. Have you thought about how you’d like to spend your final days?

Although grief is something that's experienced daily, holidays tend to amplify feelings of loss, especially in the first holiday season since the loss, psychologists say. Do you feel your grief amplify during the holiday season? Our free community is a safe space to share what you’re experiencing with others who understand. Share your thoughts. You never know how your story can help others.

We all honor the lives of lost loved ones differently. How do you honor the life of a loved one lost?

No one likes to think about their own mortality, but it's important to have a plan in place for your final send-off. Making these decisions ahead of time can save your loved ones a lot of anguish and guesswork during a difficult time. Talk to your family about your wishes and put your funeral plans in writing so there's no confusion later on. At the end of the day, it's up to you how you want to be remembered. But giving your loved ones a little guidance can go a long way in making sure your funeral is a fitting tribute to your life. Do you want to be buried or cremated?

Have you talked to your loved ones about how you want to be remembered at your funeral? If not, now is the time! It's important to communicate your wishes to your family and friends so that they can pay tribute to you in the way you would like. Think about the kind of legacy you want to leave behind. Do you want to be known for your sense of humor? Your kindness? Your adventurous spirit? Whatever it is, make sure your loved ones are aware of it. What should be said in your eulogy?

Grief and gratitude are two emotions people often do not put into the same sentence. Living in grief and gratitude is not about being grateful when someone we love dies. The concept is more deeply rooted in being grateful for the time that we did have with our loved ones while being thankful for the memories that remain with us after their death. Do you agree with this concept?

Bobbing for apples? Scary movie binge? In honor of Halloween, what traditions did you share with your loved one?

It’s not easy to bring up. But it’s one hard conversation no one regrets. Have you talked to your family about your final wishes yet?

The days of cookie-cutter or traditional funerals are becoming a far-off memory. Today's services are customized as a celebration of life — a true reflection of the loved one who has passed on. Black doesn't have to be the default color of the day. Incorporate the colors of a favorite sports team, your university or simply the color that brings you the most joy in life. Do you want people to wear black at your funeral?

Openly grieving can be difficult. It's tempting to hide your feelings to avoid making others uncomfortable. Do you feel like you have to hide your grief at times?

Thinking about how you’d like to be remembered is one of the best ways to ease into a powerful end-of-life conversation when the time is right. This is one of our favorite prompts to reflect on. How would you describe yourself? Does your family know?

Don't leave your family with the challenging task of guessing what you would have wanted. Have you had the conversation yet?

There are many decisions to make. And family members may experience tension if they don’t agree on those decisions. With advanced funeral plans in place, there will be no question as to what we would have wanted. Loved ones will be able to focus on what really matters – supporting one another and sharing memories. Who will make your arrangements if you don’t preplan?

Anticipatory grief is not often discussed. Too many people struggle alone in an effort to protect the feelings of loved ones who are seriously ill and facing death. You do not have to struggle with these emotions and experiences alone.

It’s natural for us to consider how we’ll be remembered and the legacy we’ll leave behind. It’s less common, however, to put those thoughts down in writing. Thinking about death isn’t easy, but if we don’t record our wishes, our loved ones won’t know what we would have wanted. Advance funeral planning allows us to leave a “road map” so our family members won’t have to make tough decisions during a difficult time. Have you considered the legacy you’ll write down for your great grand-children to read one day?

Funeral preplanning and funding can reduce financial and emotional stress on loved ones, giving them time to grieve—and giving you peace of mind knowing your wishes will be carried out. Have you considered what funeral home you’ll use?

Are you thinking more My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion? Or perhaps, My Way by Frank Sinatra? The music at your funeral can be a powerful way to reflect your personality and give joy to those you leave behind. What songs would you pick?

One way to feel close to a lost loved one is to honor their memory. Focusing on the gifts your loved one shared with you and the broader world can be a cathartic step in the mourning process. How do you honor your loved one's passing?

You can preplan your funeral how you want, and it's okay if that means you want to skip on flowers. Setting up a donation for the charity of your choice is a popular request in lieu of flowers. Have you considered this for your funeral?