terra, not terror

Coral reefs are disappearing twice as fast as rainforests, threatening millions of sea animals, not to mention tourism and fishing. Reefs also buffer land from the effects of ocean storms.

A couple of guys from Florida have found a unique way to help save the reefs off the coast of Florida. They formed Eternal Reefs, a company that makes living memorials for deceased loved ones using cremated remains combined with a cement mixture that creates a reef ball.

With an Eternal Reef, a loved one can literally make a difference after their death. The Eternal Reef costs less than a traditional burial and funeral. Family members are invited to Florida for a memorial service, and to watch the reef as it is put into the ocean. Each reef has a nice plaque to memorialize the person, and memorial keepsakes can be bought from the company. They even provide Military Honors for servicemen and women.

I saw this story on the Sundance Channel – The Green. I recommend watching the segment of Big Ideas for a Small Planet: Pray. It sounds strange, but it’s a pretty interesting concept. It’s a nice way to help add reefs to provide shelter and habitat for fish and other sea life, and to provide a nice memorial to a loved one.