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 “How can we make funerals really work for us so that our goodbyes meet our needs, reflect our values and our lives?” 

If you want to learn more about how we can make funerals respectful & reflective of our loved ones whilst minimising their environmental impact, then listen to my guest Poppy Mardall, founder  & Chair of Poppy’s Funeral Services that guide us through a difficult time, give us opportunity to add meaning & personality to funerals, help us make more eco-friendly choices at every stage & ensure we create the funeral that's right for us.

Poppy is disrupting the funeral industry to give great care for both the living and the dead, and transforming our experience so that we have more human, responsive and ecological ways to say our good byes to the people we love. She reminds us that death is a condition of life, and the more we are able to make intuitive and respectful choices, the more we are able to honour the passing of those we care about.

In a world where discussions about death and funerals often remain shrouded in discomfort and avoidance, Poppy Mardall's pioneering approach to funeral planning is a breath of fresh air. Her story, from a career in art history to revolutionising the funeral industry, showcases a deep commitment to providing respectful, individual, and sustainable funeral planning options.

The traditional funeral industry, as Poppy found, was inflexible and often out of step with the needs and values of the bereaved and the deceased. Her venture into funeral services began with a desire to offer something more meaningful and responsive. By focusing on the individual wishes of the deceased and their families, and emphasizing sustainable choices, Poppy’s Funeral Services represents a significant departure from conventional practices. 

One striking revelation from the podcast is the widespread lack of experience and knowledge surrounding death and funerals. Poppy herself had never seen a dead body until her late twenties, illustrating a common disconnection from the realities of death in modern society. This disconnection, she argues, has allowed the funeral industry to become complacent, offering one-size-fits-all packages that often fail to resonate with the bereaved.

By contrast, Poppy’s approach is profoundly personal and environmentally conscious. From choosing a wicker coffin to planning a procession through natural landscapes or even more traditional approaches, she underscores the importance of aligning funeral choices with one's life values and ecological concerns. These choices not only honour the deceased in a way that feels true to their spirit but also consider the planet's well-being.

Sustainable funeral practices are not merely about opting for green alternatives but also about embracing natural processes and reducing our environmental footprint. For instance, natural burials that allow the body to decompose organically and return to the earth challenge the conventional embalming process and deep burial methods that inhibit natural decomposition.

Poppy’s story is a powerful call to action, urging us to rethink our approach to funerals. It’s an invitation to view funerals not just as a farewell but as an opportunity for reflection, celebration, and even healing. By integrating our values into these final rites, we can create a more meaningful and comforting experience for those left behind while also caring for the planet.

Poppy Mardall directly addresses the podcast's opening question by demonstrating that funerals can indeed be transformed into deeply personal, respectful, and environmentally sustainable events. This change not only makes the farewell more meaningful but also aligns with broader societal shifts towards environmental responsibility and individual authenticity.

For those inspired to reconsider their own or their loved ones' funeral arrangements, here are 10 actionable steps towards a more respectful, individual, and sustainable approach:

Discuss death openly: Break the silence around death in your family and friend circles.

Document your wishes: Write down your preferences for your own funeral to guide your loved ones.

Consider natural burial options: Explore the possibility of a green burial in a natural burial ground.

Choose a sustainable coffin: Opt for biodegradable materials like wicker, bamboo, or cardboard.

Minimise environmental impact: Avoid embalming and choose local, seasonal flowers or foraged greenery.

Personalise the ceremony: Reflect your or your loved one's life and values through music, readings, and personal anecdotes.

Encourage eco-friendly transportation: Suggest guests use shared or public transport to the service, and consider alternatives to traditional hearses.

Support a cause: Instead of flowers, request donations to a charity that was meaningful to the deceased.

Plan a community involvement: Engage friends and family in the funeral process, whether through helping with arrangements or participating in the service.

Educate yourself and others: Learn more about sustainable funeral practices and share your knowledge to help others make informed choices.

By embracing these steps, we can ensure our final farewells are not only respectful to the deceased and comforting for the bereaved but also kind to the planet. Poppy Mardall shows us that it's possible to have a send-off that truly reflects our lives and values.

PS. Listen HERE to Poppy’s journey on BRAVE NEW GIRLS podcast to hear how she helps us help people, society and the planet.