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What if the way we say goodbye could heal both our hearts and the planet?

In this profound episode of Don't Be Caught Dead, we sit down with Zimmi Forest, fibre artist, environmentalist, and creator of handwoven eco-coffins that challenge everything we think we know about death. Zimmi doesn’t just make baskets; she crafts vessels that reconnect us to nature, turning invasive weeds into beautiful, biodegradable farewells.

From foraging materials in the wild to guiding families through the emotional process of weaving a loved one’s final resting place, Zimmi’s work is a powerful reminder that death doesn’t have to be disconnected from life’s natural cycles. Whether you’re curious about sustainable funerals or simply seeking a fresh perspective on mortality, this conversation will leave you inspired to rethink the way we honour those we’ve lost—and how we might one day be honoured ourselves.

Key points from our discussion:

• Eco-conscious farewells: Why Zimmi swaps toxic funeral materials for invasive plants like cat’s claw vine.
• The healing power of making: How weaving a coffin can transform grief into a sacred, communal act.
• Beyond cremation: The surprisingly poetic case for natural burials (and what most people don’t know about ashes).
• Death’s dirty secret: The greenwashing in funeral industries—and how to spot it.
• Finding beauty in decay: Zimmi’s journey from art

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MY LOVED ONE HAS DIED, WHAT DO I DO NOW?

Our guide, ‘My Loved One Has Died, What Do I Do Now?’ provides practical steps for the hours and days after a loved one's death. Download it here.

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Contact Catherine

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Podcast Editor: www.livvimedia.com.au

Music composer: Ania Reynolds - https://www.aniareynolds.com/