Made from recycled cardboard and plant material and natural glues. New South Wales. Cost: $200. May be decorated or hand-painted, preferably with water-based paints to reduce emissions when cremated. The fledgling Queensland business, Australian Eco-Coffins, sold eight of these coffins in 2002. Purchased from Australian Eco-Coffins, Queensland
Handmade from pure natural wool and cotton ropes, and natural dyes. New South Wales. Cost: $185. This shroud is modelled on those commonly used in UK 'woodland' burials. In New South Wales, all burials must be in a coffin, except for Muslims who are permitted to be buried in a shroud in specific cemetery locations.
Made in China from split and woven bamboo with palm cord strings. Supplied with water-resistant, pure undyed cotton liner. Cost: £195 (about AUD$550). Available throughout the UK and Ireland. Courtesy the SAWD Partnership, UK.
The SAWD Partnership began selling bamboo coffins in 2000 when they sold 12 coffins. In 2002, the company sold 502 coffins, and about 100 urns and baby or pet caskets. They hope to sell up to 1500 coffins in 2003. Currently available throughout the UK and Ireland, the company is hoping to find an Australian distributor.
William Wainman from the SAWD Partnership estimates that around 30 per cent of bamboo coffins are used for green 'woodland' burials, on the basis of environmental issues; 50 per cent for cremation, on the basis of cost; and 20 per cent in cemeteries. Many people have commented that the coffins look 'comforting'.
Copyright © Australian Museum, 2009