SUSTAINABLE living, and death, is the focus of a new art exhibition at the Gawler Civic Centre running throughout August.

The Eco Coffin project, set up by Gawler Environment Centre (GEC) committee member Abby Buckley, involves a local group focused on learning about compostable eco-coffins and shrouds.

During a six-week program, the group worked on their own projects which now form the Pushing up Daisies exhibition, which is running at the civic centre during this month.

The exhibition is part of the South Australian Living Arts festival and includes the group’s work, as well as digital displays which give context to the projects.

Ms Buckley said it was time for society to take a look at the environmental effects of traditional burial principles.

“Climate change motivates us to live a more sustainable life but what about a sustainable death?” she said. “What is the impact on the environment of what happens to your body when you die?

“Currently, 70 per cent of Australians are choosing cremation which burns non-renewable natural gas and emits toxins.

“Is there a better way? The Pushing up Daisies exhibition explores some of these questions and raises awareness of natural burial options in SA, the only state to have natural burial in its legislation.”

GEC co-ordinator Kathy Whitta said the organisation was proud to present the exhibition.

“These powerful personal works of art and love raise questions about sustainable death and raise awareness of natural burial,” she said.

“You will be amazed at the beautiful art, which will take on even more depth and meaning when you hear the artists’ stories.

“To complement the exhibition at Gawler Civic Centre we also have an online component on the GEC website, where you can read all about each artist and their creation.”