Green burial option turns human remains into ocean habitats

In Hawaii, a new green burial option has emerged for ocean lovers. Memorial Reefs International will mix human cremains into concreate “reef balls” that are placed on the ocean floor to provide habitats for ocean life. GPS coordinates are given to family members who wish to visit their loved one’s ocean burial site and will also organize destination funerals.  

“Memorial Reefs International helps support the marine environment all around the world, by building underwater memorials for your loved ones,” according to the company’s website. “The textured surface attracts coral polyps, and the hollow interior provides shelter for marine organisms. Your memorial reef contains the cremated remains of your loved ones. You can place a bronze plaque with the family member’s name, lifespan, and other information onto the front of the reef memorial.” 

Reef ball sites are already established in Florida, Texas, New Jersey, Baja, Merida, Cozumel, British Columbia, Ontario and Venice. 

Green burial options—such as biodegradable urns that grow trees, human composting, or even ocean “bath bombs” containing cremains—have been proliferating as sustainability concerns mount and end-of-life options that regenerate nature become more widely available.