Cremation is now the most common disposition type in the United States, surpassing burial in a casket or coffin in 2015 for the first time. The popularity of cremation has made alternative burial options a viable option for both those who are planning their own celebration of life ceremony or for families that may want to do something special with a loved one's cremated remains.
Burial options have in recent years become more individualized and greener to reflect a change in how individuals and their families want to commemorate the death of themselves or a loved one. The growth in popularity of non-traditional burial methods means today, more than ever, there are more options to cater to the kind of celebration and legacy a loved one would have wanted. One of the most interesting and environmentally friendly options is deploying cremated remains to become part of a memorial reef.
In today’s world of “going green” where “green” means environmentally friendly, nearly every industry is coming up with ways to function without disturbing the local environment. Funeral homes, cemeteries and burial planning are not exempt from this. In fact, the National Funeral Director’s Association (NFDA) reports that more than 50% of Americans are interested in “green” funeral options.
