Evironmental Impact
“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors. We borrow it from our children.” – Native American Proverb
“The Single biggest threat to our planet is the destruction of habitat and along the way loss of precious wildlife. We need to reach a balance where people, habitat, and wildlife can co-exist – if we don’t, everyone loses… one day.” – Steve Irwin
“The earth will not continue to offer its harvest, except with faithful stewardship. We cannot say we love the land and then take steps to destroy it for use by future generations.” – John Paul II
We all have the opportunity to consider the impact that our choices and actions have, and will continue to have, on the environment. This is important for us, our children and our children’s children; because sustainable decisions can have a positive effect not only on the environment, or the health of other humans and animals near and far but can also encourage and inspire others to make sustainable decisions too.
Giving back to our Planet
LAST WISHES – Live your Legacy is a not for profit community raising profits to go back into good causes related to end of life and legacy, especially to help the Earth.
Last Wishes is extremely proud to supporting the following Living Legacies:
• Tree planting with Ancient and Sacred Trees, www.ancientandsacredtrees.org
• Environmental awareness with Sussex Green Living
If you would like to support the work we are doing to raise awareness of how our end of life can support the planet – please contact us or donate here.
Discover below the impact some of your end of life choices have on the environment, so you can choose sustainable options for your children and your children’s children.
“It is our collective and individual responsibility… to preserve and tend to the world in which we all live.” – Dalai Lama
Embalming
The Egyptians practised mummification many centuries ago; which was an early form of embalming. Complex rites and rituals were carried out to ensure the body was properly preserved. The mummification process had enormous spiritual significance.
During the American Civil War hundreds of thousands of soldiers died far from home and their grieving families. Being embalmed meant that bodies could be safely transported and returned to their loved ones.
Nelson’s body was returned from the battle of Trafalgar preserved in a keg of brandy.
The embalming process has changed considerably over the years...
Burial
The Natural Death Centre Handbook says: “One anti-burial argument is that we hear many times that we need space. This is an urban myth. Here are some facts that may surprise you. More than half a million people die in the UK every year. If they were all buried it would take 2,000 years to use the same acreage of land that farmers leave as set-aside. If they were all natural burials think of the useful green spaces and wild life refuge this would create.”
Natural burial is nothing new, like many aspect of life it is simply a return to old ways. There are many options available, some more environmentally affective than others. Your choice of burial space may of course depend on your religious affiliation. Should you choose to be buried, here are your options…
Cremation
In years gone by it was deemed that "the land should be kept for the living"; promoting cremation rather than burial. We now need to take a fresh look at this statement. We must investigate the damage being caused to our planet; being grateful for the way she supports us and in return we must give back in any way we know how.
Many people choose cremation believing it to be a cleaner, neater form of body disposal. Often, this is the case especially during the Covid19 pandemic. Most importantly, with awareness there are many things we can do to compensate whatever our choices...
Coffins
Avoid all hardwoods because trees take centuries to grow! Most importantly shun coffins full of toxic glue with gold coloured plastic handles.
Whether for burial or cremation, natural materials such as sustainable pine, willow, cane, and sea-grass, bamboo, wool or cardboard, are the most thoughtful choice.
Coffins are available bearing a transferred image illustrating any theme you choose or order one to be personalised especially...