Puny Mortal Podcast

Natural Burial & Decay

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Intro

In this episode, we discuss natural burial (sometimes referred to as green burial or an eco burial) and the concept of bodily decay.


Summary

We explore our own journeys in choosing future natural burials and how our feelings toward decay have evolved. We also discuss the environmental impact of cremation and the options available for eco-friendly funerals. The conversation touches on the different types of natural burial sites in the UK, the use of shrouds and eco-coffins, and the potential for community spaces in natural burial grounds.

We end by 'getting mortal' with you and sharing a few more of our own funeral choices. We also reflect on the importance of revisiting and re-evaluating funeral choices over time.


Points of clarification and links

  • Our death education work sees us popping up in lots of public places and events. We've had our DEAD GOOD stall at a range of markets. We could write a book about the conversations we've had with people!
  • KV completed Carbon Literacy training in June 2024 with The Carbon Literacy Trust.
  • Currently the operational carbon cost of one gas-fired cremation is between 126kgs CO2e and 400kgs CO2e. THAT IS A LOT.
  • The operational carbon cost of one natural burial is between zero kgs CO2e and 11kgs CO2e.
  • You can read an excellent recent research report about the carbon footprints of different funeral options here.
  • You can ask to be there when the coffin goes into the cremator. It's called witnessing the charge. Sometimes it costs a bit more to do this.


    • Chapters

    01:02 Intro to episode

    02:00 Common initial response to burial (fear of worms and claustrophobia

    03:00 Cremation facts

    05:17 What is a natural burial?

    09:02 How did we come to choose natural burial for ourselves?

    11:47 The story of Dad changing his mind from cremation to a woodland burial

    17:10 The move to shrouds instead of coffins

    17:49 "I welcome the worms now" KV

    18:20 LV's interest in cardboard coffins as affordable option with arty decoration possibilities

    20:50 The option of making your own shroud from fabrics/textiles you already own

    21:48 The carbon costs of visiting a grave

    25:00 The tale of Grandleberry Jam

    26:00 The Wood School burial story

    29:30 Our Get Mortal funeral planning using our My Farewell zine kit. We discuss the categories and our choices for 'Donations' and 'Resting Places'.


    We'd love you to leave us a comment to tell us the ways in which this episode resonated with you.


    Go on. Get in touch. We dare you.


    LOVE YOU BYEEEEEE

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