An Australian woman has become the first person in the nation to be buried inside a coffin grown from mushrooms and hemp.
Carolyn, 70, was laid to rest in a Loop Living Cocoon chosen by her family as they bid their farewell at Springwood Cemetry in the Blue Mountains last Friday.
Her family wanted to honour the woman in a way that reflected her connection to nature and say goodbye in a way that felt right.
The family chose a coffin grown in the Netherlands from mycelium, the underground root network of mushrooms, and hemp fibres.
Following the burial, the material becomes part of the soil and nourishes nature.
Her husband Donald said his wife was always there to help others.
“It feels very true to who she was that even after her death, she can still do something for others while giving something back to nature,” he said.
The Living Cocoon was developed by Bob Hendrikx as part of a graduation project at Delft University of Technology and is now used in more than 12 countries.
The coffins can be grown in seven days from mycelium and up-cycled hemp fibres and become part of the soil in about 45 days under the right conditions.
Mr Hendrikx said nature had been growing materials for millions of years.
We asked a simple question: why manufacture everything if some products can be grown?” he said.
“Mycelium allows us to create something useful using nature’s own intelligence — and then, when its purpose is complete, allow it to return to the earth.”
Grace Funerals director Asha Dooley said conversations about sustainable funerals were becoming more common.
“Five years ago, very few families were asking these questions,” she said.
“Today we’re regularly speaking with people who want a farewell that reflects how someone lived their life.
“Families are looking for options that are personal, meaningful and environmentally responsible.”
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