It only looks real

Coral is naturally beautiful, but denuding our oceans and killing reefs by breaking pieces off is not. Some enterprising seashell decor shops are selling “virtual” coral, also known as synthetic coral, cast in resin that looks just like the real thing. It is fish tank and hermit crab friendly but doesn’t hurt the planet. The 10-inch Virtual Corduroy Coral with tripod sells for $29.98; 8-inch Virtual Brown Stem Coral with tripod goes for $24.98; 4-inch Virtual Cluster Coral with tripod, $9.98.

Sea Shell City, www.seashellcity.com/sealife/sealife8.html.

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-- Lisa Moricoli Latham