Much has been said and written about sustainable burial in recent years.
Many locals are keen to avoid the chemicals and harmful compounds that go with conventional practices, and have advocated for a natural burial ground in the shire.
But what if we could not only minimise the impact of the moment when we are laid to rest, but in fact, help to replenish and regenerate the planet as we do so?
This is the philosophy behind the work of Ocean Shores artisan, Zimmi Forest, who is introducing the shire to the ancient art of coffin weaving.
Ms Forest and her team take the vines from the invasive, introduced species Uncaria tomentosa – colloquially known as cat’s claw – and weave them into beautifully made coffins.
Not only are the coffin’s completely sustainable and biodegradable, coming from a plant that is ubiquitous in the Northern Rivers, but the very act of harvesting them helps to reduce their damaging spread through the local ecosystem.
Made from cat’s claw
‘The cat’s claw is quite literally killing the trees,’ says Ms Forest, who has been weaving and teaching others how to do so for 30 years.
‘For the last 30 years, people have been cutting it, and putting poison on it, which makes no difference whatsoever other than that it poisons the environment.
‘What we’re doing is a regenerative idea. We’re on the path to reduce the weed and remove it. If we can get the community to get involved and really embrace this the potential differences are huge.’
While woven coffins are available in Australia, virtually none of them are made here.
The vast majority are imported from Asia, and are not made using invasive weeds, but monocrops such as willow that are introduced and farmed in unsustainable ways.
Ms Zimmi is seeking to break this monopoly and make coffin weaving a truly regenerative practice here.
Workshops
A key part of Ms Forest’s project is workshops where people can build their own coffin – designing their own shape and style and adding personal touches such as flowers and pieces of cherished material.
The first official workshops will take place in October. However, there will be a taster workshop on the weekend of July 6 at the Country Women’s Association Hall in Brunswick Heads – visit beforeandafterlife.com.au for more info.
For more information about Ms Forest’s business, visit www.weavingnature.com.
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