Resting Reef

Resting Reef Limitied

Resting Reef

We transform loved ones' ashes into memorial reefs, addressing the degradation of marine ecosystems and the need for sustainable end-of-life options.

London, UK

United Kingdom

For-profit, including B-Corp or similar models

We are solving two seemingly unrelated problems: 1. Traditional burial practices accelerate climate change by promoting deforestation, excessive use of polluting materials, and chemicals seeping into the groundwater. In the US alone, 100 million acres of land are deforested every year, 1.6 million tons of cement and steel are used, and 20 million litres of embalming fluid pollute the groundwater (NFDA). 2. Our nature-based solution also addresses the pressing need for marine restoration, which has significantly declined due to climate change and human activities. Globally, we've lost 85% of native oyster reefs and over 50% of coral reefs (NORA, 2022). These losses have resulted in detrimental impacts such as coastal erosion and contributed to a decline of 36% of the overall marine population (WWF). By placing multiple memorial reef structures next to each other on the seafloor, we create a stable foundation and substrate for an ecosystem to be restored. Additionally, we address the recurring underfunding of marine restoration, where limited resources are allocated for preserving and rebuilding marine habitats, despite the urgent need for ocean restoration. The initiative uniquely leverages funds from the death care industry, channelling them into marine restoration efforts while fostering public interest towards marine conservation.

Our memorial services provide an environmentally friendly alternative to traditionally environmentally harmful death care services. Through the establishment of memorial reefs, we strengthen coastal and marine ecosystems and communities, contributing to the broader blue economy. Research has shown that reefs play a pivotal role in filtering water (NORA, 2022), acting as a foundation for carbon capture (McLeod, 2011). Our reefs provide previously unavailable habitats to marine life and have already demonstrated success, with our pilot project highlighting improved marine biodiversity by 12x in just 4 months (monitoring still ongoing). Our reefs also generate socioeconomic benefits to local communities through improving coastal resilience, supporting sustainable fisheries, and creating economic opportunities through ecotourism. Resting Reef is not only aiming to reduce the negative impacts but also generate positive ones. By developing our project, we are contributing to 6 of the 17 UN SDGS. Our business is endorsed by the ‘UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration Plan’. Furthermore, from an impact assessment report made by Vested Impact, Resting Reef scored 512% (43pts) higher in overall Net Impact than traditional Funeral Services (such as Co-op in the UK) and is 5x more positively impactful.

We provide families with a sustainable alternative that prioritises the emotional and psychological needs of individuals who are coping with death, promoting healing and supporting their mental well-being. The opportunity to contribute to marine conservation and restoration efforts has been demonstrated to bring a sense of comfort, purpose and healing. At the same time, climate change and biodiversity loss significantly affect coastal communities worldwide. Our pilot in Bali has demonstrated substantial social, economic and environmental benefits. By installing our reefs along their coastlines, we contribute to much-needed biodiversity and marine habitat restoration efforts. Our memorial reefs not only enhance the ecological health of marine areas but will also create new job opportunities and an increase in the number of visitors in the area, leading to revenue generated from eco-tourism. We also serve as a platform for raising environmental awareness and educating the public about the importance of marine conservation. Increased environmental awareness and marine literacy can lead to positive behavioural changes. Furthermore, our solution helps local authorities, particularly in places struggling with limited land for burials. By offering an alternative method in the sea, which emphasises sustainability, we help alleviate pressure on land resources while supporting environmental conservation goals.