Alternative Cremations: #2 – Green as the Deep Blue Sea

Something about the open water calls to humans in death as well as life. As late as World War II, burial at sea was common for sailors who died onboard ship. Even among civilians, many cremations end with survivors gathering aboard a boat or on a bridge to scatter the cremains over water.

Now, with a new and unique memorial option offered by Eternal Reefs, Inc. of Decatur, Georgia, water lovers can not only spend eternity in the marine environment — they can actually become a part of that environment.

For years, scientists have warned that the world’s coral reefs are dying off as a result of global warming and pollution. This rapid, widespread destruction of reefs has dire consequences for marine biodiversity as well as tourism and other water-related industries. In response to the environmental emergency, the Reef Ball Foundation was formed to champion the rehabbing and rebuilding of the world’s coral reefs using manufactured reefs called reef balls.

Eternal Reefs, inspired by the Reef Ball Foundation, turns environmental action into a lasting memorial by mixing cremated remains into the concrete used to make the reef balls. When the reef ball is lowered to the marine floor, it becomes habitat for countless species of fish and other aquatic life forms.

With prices ranging from $2,495 to $6,495 (not including cremation), a reef memorial typically costs less than a traditional burial.