Coffins
Avoid all hard woods 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 are the most thoughtful choice: sustainable pine, willow, cane, and sea-grass, bamboo, wool and cardboard.
Coffins are available bearing a transferred image illustrating any theme you choose or order one to be personalised especially.
However you may decide to weave your own willow coffin under the gentle guidance of an expert.
A cardboard coffin decorated by family and friends can create a deeply healing act of love.
A coffin purchased or made in advance can be turned around and used as a cupboard, wine rack or coffee table until such a time that it is required.
A body can also be wrapped in cloth or blanket and carried on a stretcher for burial but coffins are used for cremation to prevent fabric igniting prematurely.
Giving back to our Planet
LAST WISHES – Live your Legacy Ltd is a Social Business raising profits to go back into community projects to support causes related to end of life and legacy, especially to help the Earth, for example;
• Tree planting with Ancient and Sacred Trees;
• Environmental awareness with Sussex Green Living.
If you have a cause you think will be close to our heart please get in touch.
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.
This video is a stunning example of the greener coffin options available. Based in Dorset, Cradle To Grave work with Sommerset willow and have been weaving coffins for the past 20 years. They use traditional age-old weaving skills, to weave their willow caskets.
Employing methods passed down through generations of basket weavers they use traditional handcrafted tools made by local blacksmiths and apply traditional weaves to be sure their customers get a bespoke handcrafted willow product.
Passionate about using locally grown produce, skilled basket makers, Cath and Tosh at Cradle to Grave are ensuring their beautiful willow coffins have a low carbon footprint and a positive environmental legacy.
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
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...
