Looking for an Eco-Friendly Burial Option? Coral Reef Memorials Support New Life

Resting Reef plans to create coral reef structures out of human remains
Posted on July 18, 2025 by Maria Mocerino Magazine Writer
Coral Reef Memorials

Coral Reef Memorials are advertised as an eco-friendly solution to regular burials. Credit: Resting Reefs

A growing number of people are searching for environmentally conscious burial options. Indeed, according to the National Funeral Directors Association in 2024, “68% would be interested in exploring ‘green’ funeral options … up from 55.7% in 2021.”

A recent entry into the green burial market is Resting Reef, whose mission is “to provide an environmentally friendly, meaningful and impactful alternative to conventional methods of commemorating a loved one, with a new tradition around death that truly honours life.”

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“Tears” by Kay WalkingStick

A Cherokee artist re-creates a beautiful funeral scaffold mourning both her dead husband and her people
Posted on July 16, 2025 by Ariana Barnes (Magazine Writer)

Artwork: Kay WalkingStick, 1990. Photography by JSP Art Photography

Kay WalkingStick has experienced her fair share of loss. As a member of the Cherokee Nation, her ancestors were victims of the genocide and forced relocation of Indigenous peoples by new settlers to the continent. Over a fifth of the Cherokee population is estimated to have died along the Trail of Tears. 

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“The Nights” by Avicii

Singer provides a lively ode to making the most of one’s time on Earth
Posted on July 14, 2025 by Ariana Barnes (Magazine Writer)
The Nights album artwork

Credit: Avicii – iTunes, PRMD Music

The Swedish songwriter Avicii, born Tim Bergling, was well known for his quick rise to fame in the electronic dance music scene and his untimely death from suicide. Despite fast tempos and catchy hooks, most of his songs explored morality, the brevity of youth, and life’s internal struggles. “The Nights” is a song that reflects this practice easily.

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National Cremation Growth Rate Is Slowing

An annual report predicts steady growth in cremation rates, despite the recent deceleration
Posted on July 13, 2025 by Caitlin Manner (Blog Writer) SevenPonds

Woman scattering cremation ashes reflecting continued growth of cremation rateIn its 2025 Annual Statistics Report, the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) confirms that after decades of rapid growth in the United States, the national cremation growth rate is starting to slow, after reaching 61.8% in 2024. 

The organization predicts that by 2029, the cremation rate in the U.S. will be 67.9%. And, as reported in a news release in Connecting Directors, a funeral industry publication, “By 2033, CANA research predicts the cremation rate in all states will reach or exceed 50%, with the national rate surpassing 70%.”

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An Illuminating Line From Jonathan Safran Foer

Plus a heart of purple and gold from SevenPonds
Posted on July 12, 2025 by JamieAGold

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Posted in A Rite of Passage | Leave a comment

Bill Would Allow Veterans Options in Burial

The Loved Ones Interment Act would end policy that prevents those who receive urns or plaques from being interred in national cemeteries
Posted on July 11, 2025 by Amanda Dodge Magazine Writer
Loved Ones Interment Act

Soldiers carry casket during military funeral.
Credit: Tom Olson via Unsplash

U.S. Rep. Julia Brownley (D-CA) has introduced the Loved Ones Interment Act, a bill that would allow veterans who are cremated and receive an urn or plaque from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to be buried in a national cemetery. Under the current law, a family is not allowed to do both. 

The National Cemetery Administration states: “If a family chooses an urn or a plaque to commemorate a Veteran, VA is prohibited by law from interring that Veteran’s remains in a VA national cemetery or from providing a headstone, marker or medallion for placement in any cemetery.” 

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