A famous crab once sang an ode to life under the sea, but a British startup thinks even the deceased can appreciate that it’s better down where it’s wetter.
Resting Reef…
… is building an artificial reef off the coast of Bali using sculptures partially made from the cremated remains of pets, per Fast Company.
- A successful trial attracted more than 46 new species to the area.
- Also, several beloved cats, dogs, lizards, fish, and exotic birds (the website says they’re here for “all pets”) were given a nice resting place.
Human memorials will be available this summer starting at $5.2k — somehow cheaper than the average land-based funeral, which runs $6k-$9k.
You (or maybe not you, since you’ll be resting) even get a miniature replica of your reef, to say nothing of providing a home for sealife.
But there are some logistical issues:
- You have to mail your ashes to the UK (again, maybe not you), but some countries limit the amount of ashes you can ship.
- Fast Company notes that the UK only lets you send 50 grams. The average human body produces 4-6 pounds of cremated remains.
Memorial reefs…
… aren’t new: We recently learned about Florida’s Neptune Reef, an Atlantis-inspired underwater cemetery.
- It also serves as an artificial reef, but it’s designed to be visited by divers.
As for Resting Reef, it plans to expand to the UK and Mexico, and is working on partnerships with funeral homes.
This has been grim. Have a nice day!
