It used to be that when you died, you were either put to rest in a casket or cremated. But nowadays, those looking for no-traditional burial options have plenty to choose from.
A company that helps turn you into a tree after you die recently made national headlines, but that is not the only unconventional interment alternative available. Those really looking to go out with a bang can have their cremated ashes put into fireworks, while those looking to live on forever can be turned into a diamond.
Here are seven alternatives to traditional burial.
REST IN SPACE
Most of us won’t get to fly to space before we die, but a company called Celestis will launch your ashes on so-called memorial spaceflights. Prices range from $1,295 for ashes that fall back to Earth to $12,500 for those destined for deep space.
TURN INTO TUNES
Love music? Well, you’re in luck. A company called AndVinyly can press your ashes into a record of your choice, with your birthdate, death date, and portrait on the sleeve if you want, all for about $3,800.
WITH THE FISHES
This one’s not for landlubbers. External Reefs puts your ashes in concrete, which is then lowered into a reef, so you can live on as part of a marine habitat for between $3,000 and $7,500.
BECOME SOME BLING
If diamonds are forever, LifeGem can make you immortal by turning your ashes into the most precious of stones for up to $25,000. Those who prefer glass pendants can hire Art From Ashes, which can also turn you into all sorts of other glass objects.
WITH A BANG
Dogs excluded, who doesn’t love fireworks? For those who love a fiery show in the sky more than the average bear, there’s Heavenly Stars Fireworks, which puts your ashes into mortars that simultaneously scatter your remains while putting on an awe-inspiring show. Packages start at $1,288.
LIKE A TREE
This might be the type of tree everyone can get behind hugging. For between $140 and $169, depending upon the type of tree, Bios Urn will place your ashes in their biodegradable urn with the preferred seed for loved ones to plant and watch grow.
