QR codes are popping up in unusual places

We first noticed QR codes on store fronts and restaurant windows in February 2011 . Now, you can find them on pizza boxes, flower pots, and produce. Scan the code on a plant and you can learn more about it and how to care for it.

Heinen's participates in a program called, " Where Food Comes From " which allows you to scan a QR code to learn more about the people who produced your product. The program's goal is to give you knowledge and be transparent.

The possibilities for these codes are endless.

You expect to see colorful flowers and flags at the cemetery. Now, black and white bar codes are popping up on headstones.

"I had no clue what they were about," said Matilde Fairbanks.

It's called a QR code. Simply scan the bar code like design and you unlock a person's life history.

Fairbanks knew she wanted her late husband, Robert Fairbanks , to be a part of this modern day technology. It is a way for her family and future generations to always remember him.

"They could go up to the code and see the pictures, read his story, instead of just standing there and trying to picture what he looked like and his stories of the past," said Fairbanks.

When you scan the QR code, it directos you to a memorial page, which Fairbanks designed. The cost is $425 for the code and website. For Fairbanks, it's a priceless treasure.

"I'm thinking about putting one on for my father to be able to read his history for my children and grandchildren," said Fairbanks.

This is a first at Northlawn Memorial Gardens in Peninsula. Other businesses say their use of a QR code is a first too.

"Our code is on throughout our commercial, so they can use it at anytime during the commercial. Simply hold up their phone, take a picture of the image and it should take them directly to our website," said Jackie Bertolette, owner of My Song Boutique in Willoughby.

My Song Boutique says QR codes are driving customers to their website and their store. Some businesses offer incentives for scanning the code, like special offers and discounts.

It's not just about saving money. How about saving your pet? You can put a QR code on your dog or cat's collar. You can scan it to find out ownership information, the vaccine history of a pet and it's favorite treats.

"When it's as important as the life of your pet and getting your pet back, sometimes, I think the old standards are the best way to go," said Sharon Harvey, President and CEO of the Cleveland Animal Protective League .

The Cleveland APL thinks a QR code should never be used in place of a normal ID tag, just in case the person who finds your pet doesn't have a phone that can scan the code.

"I am a lover of technology, but I think this is where technology maybe gets a little too complicated for people," said Harvey.

QR Code App Recommendations:

Android -- Barcode Scanner Zxing
Windows / Blackberry - BeeTagg
iPhone - Denso QRdeCODE - $1.99

CNET also reviewed QR code readers for the iPhone:
http://news.cnet.com/qr-code-readers-for-iphone

Other free apps for iPhone recommended by our staff include i-nigma 4 (only compatible with iPhone 4 or the upgraded operating system for the 3GS) and Bakodo.

Be sure to get an app that stores history of your scans, so you can take advantage of specials.