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News on Green Burials, The Neptune Memorial Reef,
We invite you to return to this page to learn more about Neptune Society's latest green projects, services and efforts to preserve our planet's precious resources.
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September 01, 2009Cremation companies aid sea life after deathBy James Cannon
The tombs and other items serve as artificial reefs and promote sea life.
Environmentally-conscious Jacksonville residents now have a local option to help reduce their body's impact on the planet after their death. The Neptune Society, the largest cremation company in the nation, offers traditional cremation practices and now something wholly unique: Customers have the option to have their ashes entombed in the largest artificial reef off the coast of Miami.
"We offer the public a cost-effective and dignified option to traditional cemetery burials," said Sylvan Leizerman, the prearrangement manager. "Families can even rent a boat and watch the entombment from the surface."
The Neptune Society recently set up office on Philips Highway and is planning its grand opening event Sept. 25.
When finished, the Neptune Memorial Reef will cover more than 16 acres of sea floor about 3 miles off Key Biscayne. It is styled as a Greek "lost city," complete with pillars, statues, roads and gates.
After the body is cremated, it is encased in a cylindrical concrete slab and is inserted in one of the many levels and areas throughout the reef.
The prices for being placed in the reef range from $4,000 to $7,000, depending on the area, level and type of structure the customer selects.
The reef houses 1,200 remains, but is still under construction and is set to hold more than 100,000 remains upon completion, said Lisa Lyon, a representative for the Neptune Society.
The number of people opting for cremation over a traditional burial is steadily increasing every year. In 2000, the rate was 26.19 percent with 629,362 cremations, up from fewer than 300,000 people - or about 8 percent - in 1985, according to the Cremation Association of North America.
Since 2000, cremation levels have increased about another 8 percent. They're expected to be more than 39 percent in 2010 and more than 58 percent by 2025, predicting 1,909,802 U.S. cremations in 2025.
Georgia-based Eternal Reefs also offers underwater placement after cremation but doesn't have a central structure that houses the remains. Eternal Reefs offers individual and family-sized reefs that hold the remains, but unlike the Neptune Society, the reefs can be placed at one of several pre-approved sites for convenience. Pricing for Eternal Reefs' "Reef Ball" starts at $2,495 and can go as high as $6,495.
Underwater placement is geared toward baby boomers, but is also a good option for water enthusiasts, divers, sailors and environmentalists, Lyon said.
"We are helping the environment by not pumping embalming fluid into the ground," Lyon said. "What do you think that does to the soil and water surrounding cemeteries?"
How families handle funerals has also changed, Liezerman said.
"The philosophy of the family plot doesn't exist anymore," he said "Children are not opting to be buried with their families like they have in decades past."
The Neptune Society also offers a less expensive and easier method of burial than traditional funeral homes and cemeteries, Lyon said.
"Most funerals are now costing more than $12,000; caskets alone can cost upwards of $3,000," she said. "We also don't try to up-sale. When you purchase our package, that is it. It's all-inclusive."
Each plan covers the services of a funeral director, transportation of the body, cremation and optional scattering of the ashes over the sea if a plot on the reef is not purchased. A standard cremation without the option to be placed in the reef is $1,669, compared with the $3,295 the Jacksonville-based Eternity Funeral Home & Cremation Centre charges for a funeral and a viewing, not including the cost of a casket.
james.cannon@jacksonville.com, (904) 521-9234 -
August 28, 2009Neptune Seeks Southland SplashBy Mike Nolan
As cremation becomes more accepted in the Chicago area, Neptune Society Inc. has seen demand for its services grow, prompting the opening of a second location in the metro area.
The company recently opened an office in Orland Park, at 15111 S. LaGrange Road, offering not only cremation services but scattering of ashes at sea
The Florida-based company said its services are less than a fourth of the cost of a traditional funeral and burial.
"A lot of it (the increase in number of cremations) is the cost," Courtney Olesen, Neptune's Midwest area service manager, said. "Also, people are starting to be more green, not wanting to take up so much land space."
Neptune also offers packages in which cremated remains can be scattered in the Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean or Gulf of Mexico, Olesen said.
The company also has created a 16-acre artificial reef off the coast of Florida that is being used as a repository for remains, which are mixed with cement and poured into assorted molds, including an oversized seashell. Burials there cost between $1,000 and $7,000, depending on what options one chooses.
Olesen, however, said Neptune has seen few requests in the Chicago area for ocean scatterings.
Neptune has an office in Des Plaines that's in an out-of-the-way location. The company sought a high-profile location in Orland Park in hopes of attracting walk-in traffic, Olesen said.
Neptune's cremation facility is in Lombard.
Neptune has about 40 locations in 10 states and is owned by BG Capital Group, a merchant bank based in the Bahamas. -
June 24, 2009City of sculptures under the sea offers final resting place(Sun Sentinel))
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June 16, 2009The Latest in Green Burials: Be Buried In a Coral Reef (Tree Hugger)
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June 10, 2009The Neptune Society Makes Eco-Friendly Afterlife a Reality (Trend Hunter)
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June 10, 2009What is the best way to go... Green Burials (elephantjournal)
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June 08, 2009Neptune Society Inc Receives 2009 Best of Sherman Oaks Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
U.S. Commerce Association’s Award Plaque Honors the Achievement
WASHINGTON D.C., June 8, 2009 -- Neptune Society Inc has been selected for the 2009 Best of Sherman Oaks Award in the Crematories category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).
The USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.
Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2009 USCA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.
About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)
U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a Washington D.C. based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USCA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.
The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.
SOURCE: U.S. Commerce Association
CONTACT:
U.S. Commerce Association
Email: PublicRelations@us-ca.org
URL: http://www.us-ca.org -
June 01, 2009Cremation society's teddy bears aid kids (Oak Leaves)
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May 28, 2009The Neptune Society is bringing comforting teddy bears to Chicago area children who are hurt, frightened or alone. (Skokie Review)
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May 27, 2009Ashes to Ashes (Fort Myers Florida Weekly)
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April 15, 2009People can also improve the ocean in death.
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April 01, 2009Burial At Sea (Miami Monthly)
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April 01, 2009Aquatic resting place [View Prime]
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March 08, 2009An interview of Gary Kilbride (onlinebvi.net)
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January 26, 2009See the world's first underwater cemetery (10Connects.com)
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August 01, 2008Neptune Memorial Reef (Morphologic Blog)
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August 01, 2008Press ReleaseCONTACT: Lois Whitman . HWH PR/ New Media . 212-355-5049 x 105 . Cell 917 822 2591 . loisw@hwhpr.com
FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND NEPTUNE MEMORIAL REEF
IS THE ULTIMATE DESTINATION FOR THE LIVING
...AND THE DEARLY DEPARTED
Memorialization Leader, Neptune Society,
Pioneers Life Affirming Ecological Wonder Off The Coast Of Miami, Florida
Ft Lauderdale, FL - The Neptune Society, the largest cremation-only services company in the U.S., announces a revolutionary new final resting place and memorial - The Neptune Memorial Reef -- that is as much for the living and the ecology as it a memorial for the deceased. Located 3.25 miles off the Miami Coast in 45 feet of crystal clear water, the Neptune Memorial Reef is an ecological marvel that spawns life as it celebrates it, attracting divers, ecologists, tourists...and those looking for a memorial of unmatched beauty.
The Neptune Memorial Reef is a re-creation of the legendary Lost City that is the largest and most enchanting man-made reef of its type in the world. Covering over 16 acres of ocean floor, the life affirming Neptune Memorial Reef offers room for more than 125,000 remains, and is a "living city" that encourages marine life to converge and thrive. A recent Marine study concluded that marine life around the reef has increased 60% in just nine months and observed thousands of fish covering 35 species. It was created by visionary Gary Levine and famed designer/sculptor Kim Brandell.
Stephen Ziadie, Chief Operating Officer, Neptune Memorial Reef, "The Neptune Memorial Reef is a first for the industry and a major step toward creating a new way for people to honor and remember their loved ones in a beautiful setting that reaffirms life and promotes marine habitat, coral growth and supports tourism. With the help of time and nature, this underwater memorial city will become a living reef of colorful marine life and coral growth that holds secure the remembrances of the dearly departed for all time."
A first of its kind, The Neptune Memorial Reef is:
- A memorial garden for the cremated remains of our dearly departed.
- The world's largest and most enchanting architecturally sculptured reef.
- An environmental and ecological masterpiece.
- A world-class destination for divers and explorers.
- A place for commemorating mankind's accomplishments.
Ziadie believes that changing times and changing perspective on the funeral experience, make this an ideal time for the launch of The Neptune Memorial Reef. "We live in a more mobile society and one that is moving away from traditional services. Cremations now account for over 30% of all funeral services in the U.S. and that number is expected to rise over the next two decades. The Neptune Memorial Reef provides a natural setting for loved ones that is also a awe-inspiring destination where family can gather and enjoy."
Neptune Society, and Neptune Memorial Reef
A leader in alternative funeral services, Neptune Society, Inc. is privately owned by the BG Capital Group, a leading merchant banking firm. Since 1973, Neptune Society and its sister company Trident Society have provided consumers with a simple, economical and dignified alternative to the traditional costly funeral. Today the company has 38 locations in 10 states -- including cremation facilities, sales offices, and holding facilities - and continues to expand services throughout the United States. The Neptune Memorial Reef, a re-creation of the legendary Lost City is the largest and most enchanting man-made reef of its type in the world. Located 3.25 miles off the Miami Coast in 45 feet of crystal clear water, Neptune Memorial Reef is a design and engineering wonder that will attract divers, ecologists, tourists...and those looking for a final resting place of unmatched beauty. Neptune Society's corporate headquarters are located in Ft Lauderdale, Florida. For more information on Neptune Society, please visit us at: www.neptunesociety.com or www.tridentsociety.com. For more information on Neptune Memorial Reef, please visit: www.nmreef.com. ###
©2009 Neptune Society