How conventional burials hurt the planet Our physical impact on the planet after death has been transformed by contemporary practices of chemical embalming, elaborate burial enclosures (hardwood/metal caskets, vaults, liners, and mausoleums), and resource-intensive cemetery upkeep. A typical cemetery buries 4,500 litres of formaldehyde-based embalming fluid, 97 tonnes of steel, 2,000 tonnes of concrete and enough wood to build 4 homes in every acre of space. How can we reconsider these practices that harm the earth and the health ...

Willow Podcast ep1: Preparing for death with 'End-of-life Doula' Anna Lyons Our esteemed guest (and good friend) today is Anna Lyons who as an 'End of life doula' was kind enough to educate us on the role Doulas play in helping clients and their families to prepare for death. While our mission is to tackle the taboo of death we appreciate that this topic maybe difficult for some. We an assure you that the wisdom and warmth of Anna's words is worth your time, so let's jump in: Summary of Topics 'What is an end-of-life Doula?' In this section...

Willow Podcast ep2: We talk to Funeral Expert Rosie Inman Cook about Natural Burials Rosie Inman Cook is the manager of the 'Association of Natural Burial Grounds' and the 'Natural Death Centre' charity. We ask Rosie: What is a Natural Burial? Are Natural Burial Grounds Funerals Cheaper? How do you find loved ones at an unmarked natural burial ground? How do I find the best natural burial ground in the UK? What is a Natural Burial? Are Natural Burial Grounds Funerals Cheaper? How do you find loved ones at an unmarked natural burial ground? How do ...

A Complete Guide to Coffin Types & Prices: From American Caskets to Cardboard Choosing a coffin is an important part of the burial tradition. What people may not realise before going through this process is that there are a wide variety of options and considerations. This guide provides important information and things to consider when selecting and purchasing a coffin, from materials to cost and personalisation options. 8 Considerations When Buying a Coffin Whatever kind of coffin you choose, these tips will help you make the right decision for your needs. 1. You don...

A Do-It-Yourself Funeral: 4 tips to help you plan Until the last hundred years, family members took charge of caring for their dead. People typically died at home, and loved ones prepared bodies for burial and conducted rituals without the need for funeral directors. Death was an intimate family affair that was affordable, meaningful, and personal. Today, death has become a business that is increasingly depersonalised and expensive. The average funeral in the UK costs over £3,700 (Royal London National Funeral Cost Index Report 2017...

A Buyers Guide to Colourful Coffins - 7 Tips you can read in under 10 mins If the word “coffin” makes you think of a plain wooden box, it might be time to update your perception. Today, coffins are increasingly becoming a personalised reflection of the deceased. In fact the UK largest coffin manufacturer has stated that non-traditional coffins now make up 10% of all orders. The numbers of non-traditional coffins we provide today might only be around 10% or so of the total, but this figure would have been only 1% about 10 years ago. — Richard Halliday - Halliday...

How to talk to your parents about their funeral Arrangements Although we don’t like to think about it, most of us will be charged with the task of planning a funeral for our parents. And it’s safe to say that we want to honor their wishes as to what happens after they die. Funeral Arrangements — Questions to Ask There are many questions to ask. Do you want to be buried or cremated? If cremated, where do you want your ashes placed or buried? What type of funeral or memorial service would you prefer? What special music would you like? Any special poems ...

Tissue donation after death 'I never realised that in addition to donating much- needed organs, that other tissues like bone and skin, tendons and eyes can be donated for transplant too. According to the NHS blood and organ donation leaflet, tissue donations can directly help up to 50 people' Most people know about Organ and Tissue Donation and how it can be radically life-changing. However, there is far less awareness about Tissue Donation for research purposes and this is something that I, as a Research Nurse ...

10 Ways to Green your Funeral Footprint ' 1. Ask your funeral director Ask your funeral director about more sustainable options, or seek out a funeral home that offers green practices. 2. Don’t embalm Few people know that embalming a body is not required by law anywhere in the United Kingdom. Consider a burial with no embalming fluid (bodies can be preserved by cooling for wakes/viewings if desired). Or look for nontoxic embalming fluid (offered by certain funeral homes). 3. Use a biodegradable casket An eco-frien...

Organising a funeral part 2: How do I register a death in the UK? When a person dies a doctor will complete a medical certificate showing the cause of death. After the doctor has issued the 'Cause of Death', you must register the death within five days. (8 days in Scotland). If you decide to use a funeral director, they will need a death to be registered before planning the funeral. Make an appointment at the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages, you will find the address of the nearest register office here https://www.gov.uk/register-offices....

Organising a funeral part 4: Letting people know Telling people and organisations about a death can be stressful. It might help to do this sooner rather than later. You may also want to place a death notice or obituary in the local paper. If benefits or other allowances need to be assessed, then you should call the DWP bereavement line on 0345 606 0265 People and organisations you may need to contact Tell Us Once (DWP, Council Tax, Passport, DVLA, HMRC) Bank / building society / Post Office Creditors e.g. credit card and loans companies, c...

Organising a funeral part 1: Five things you need to know A death can bring with it a broad range of emotions. Our feelings toward the person who has died can become stronger and our need to provide them with a meaningful tribute can lead to anxiety about ‘getting it right.’ Throughout the process it may help to keep these five points in mind. 1. There is generally no reason to hurry If you’re able, take the time you need to create a meaningful tribute to the person who has died, and for the family, friends and colleagues involved. 2. Look at all th...