Hitting Davy Jones’ Locker, the Green Way

According to the National Funeral Directors Association, one in three Americans today choose cremation as an alternative to burial.1
With such a market, it’s no wonder that businesses are trying to make the practice “green.” In the past, cremation burning processes have been criticized for releasing noxious chemicals into the atmosphere. However, today’s cremation enthusiast can find a plethora of environmentally friendly solutions to suit their final plans, from low-heating cremation that lowers poisonous gas emission, to biodegradable urns.2,3
One particularly unique green cremation option comes from “Eternal Reefs,” a Georgia-based company. The business installs hollow cement-like balls on the ocean floor that help to rebuild damaged coral reef communities. Interested individuals can mix their ashes with a reef ball of their choice for between 2500 and 6500 dollars, depending on the size and number of individuals present on the ball.
In place of a burial casket or urn, an optional viewing features the reef ball and an accompanying plaque before shipment out to sea. The company provides sidewalk chalk to family members who want to write messages to their loved one on the ball.
My question of the day is “sink or swim?” Will this coral reef movement catch on in the green community, or will it flop in favor of other eco-friendly solutions? Cast your vote or comment below and see what other readers are thinking.
To learn more about “Eternal Reefs,” visit: http://www.eternalreefs.com/about/about.html.

Other sites cited:
1. NFDA (2010). “U.S. Cremation Statistics.” National Funeral Directors Association. http://www.nfda.org/consumer-resources-cremation/78-us-cremation-statistics.html.
2. Everts, Sarah (2010). “Green for Eternity.” Chemical & Engineering News, American Chemical Society. Vol. 88, Issue 26. P. 41 – 42. http://pubs.acs.org/cen/science/88/8826sci2.html.
3. Cremation Solutions (2010). “Scattering Urns and Biodegradable Urns.” Cremation Solutions. http://www.cremationsolutions.com/Scattering-Urns-Biodegradable-Urns-c2.html.

Alla fine

The italian word for "in the end" is "alla fine." This blog is about the end we all inevitably face, which is death. I'm a public health major, and my work is geared to prolong life as long as infinitely possible. However, I feel that the best approach to health is not focusing on longevity, but on quality of life. For the next 6 months, I will be writing about death in the news and explore scientific, cultural, religious and social perspectives on the subject. I believe that the more comfortable we are with death as an end result, the more we will appreciate the time we have with loved ones right now, and the more healthy we'll feel physically, spiritually, and mentally.