When my family decided that we were going to scatter my dad’s ashes at sea I started looking in to what options or processes were available for the event. I found nothing on the market that would help us have the kind of positive good-bye that we were wanting. We thought it would be great to have a lasting memorial for my dad, and in some small way do something good for the environment. With ocean ecology on the decline, I thought creating a new habitat for sea life would benefit the ocean and be a way of giving something back to the planet.
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AWESOME!! What a clever idea. As to God’s reaction. How could it be anything but good. It is His creation, and to return the body He gave you back to nature and in a useful way seems remarkable and fitting.
Dorothy Burdette,
Minister, Community of Christ
“very interesting concept – I’m sure lobsters and several other fish and invertebrate species would be attracted to the hole under the ledge.”
Jow Serafy,
Professor of Marine Biology, University of Miami |
During the research phase of the biopod design, I found inspiration in the sea turtle. It's shell is a smooth, organic shape, and as it turns out is a great size for a shelter for ocean critters. A variety of ocean life will find it a comfortable and secure habitat – from a lobster, octopus, or eel, to any number of fish species.
Sea turtles are a popular symbol in mythology because of their longevity and appearance. With their protective shells and charming demeanor, they are often found to be symbols of tranquility. Many cultures depict the turtle as carrying the world on its back or supporting the heavens. I felt the turtle would be a very positive and inspirational subject to base the design on.
The biopod has a low profile design and an organic three pronged base to blend in with the natural marine habitat. The sand color helps it look right at home on the ocean floor. There are two openings on the underside of the pod to provide easy enterances and exits for the critters.
The top side of the biopod has a slight domed shape to it, creating a nice smooth surface for printing the name and date of the deceased.
The bottom side of the pod intentionally has a rough, textured pattern to initiate the quick growth of algae. Two entrance / exit openings act as the holes to feed the lowering rope through.
All of the materials from the packaging to the biopod itself are as eco-friendly as possible.
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Biodegradable potato starch packing peanuts. |
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Recyclable cardboard shipping boxes. |
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100% water soluble bag to hold the creamains. |
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100% natural tote carry bag for the biopod. |
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Natural clay from the earth is used to cast the pod. |
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The ‘sharple’ pen uses certified non-toxic ink. |
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100% natural sisal rope for lowering the pod into the ocean. |
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Individually hand cast in Oregon - proudly ‘Made in America’. |
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Size : 22 inches x 18 inches x 4 ½ inches tall.
Weight : 10 pounds.
Capacity : 470 cubic inches. (1lb. of body weight equals about 1 cubic inch of cremains)
Material : natural clay from the earth.
“neat ideas! Please let me know how it evolves.”
Mark Carr, Professor of Marine Biology, UC Santa Cruz
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