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Story Archives of 'Death and Dying'Richmond Cemetery Offers Green BurialsBy Donna Moxley on Wednesday, September 24, 2008.The town of Richmond recently dedicated part of its cemetery to environmentally green burials. Officials believe it is the first of its kind in New Hampshire and possibly New England. It was the death of one local man that started to change the way some people think about how they bury their dead. NHPR Correspondent Donna Moxley has the story. listen:
  Frugal FuneralsBy Virginia Prescott on Wednesday, September 3, 2008.Earlier this summer, we asked Word of Mouth listeners how the economy is changing their daily habits. We received a lot of responses from people who found themselves driving, shopping, and even washing their clothes differently.
Some families are choosing the old pine box casket over lavish services. Cremations are also on a sharp rise around the country, from 2 percent of all burials in 1960, to 33 percent today. The cost for a simple cremation can be as low as $250. They are less expensive than traditional burials, and less-land intensive. Joining Word of Mouth with more about this trend is Garen Daly, host of the Frugal Yankee website and radio show, which can be heard live on WNTN in Newton, Mass. (Photo by Esther Simpson) listen:
How green are "green burials"?By EarthTalk on Sunday, August 31, 2008.Town Needs Money to Move the DeadBy Chris Jensen on Monday, April 28, 2008.Towns throughout the state are facing budget crunches. But in Coos County, Northumberland residents not only need to take care of the living, they have to take care of the dead. The Connecticut River is eroding the ground of an old cemetery. NHPR correspondent Chris Jensen has the story. listen:
First In The Nation Resomation?By Josh Rogers on Wednesday, April 2, 2008.Go to a funeral home and the major decision is burial or cremation. But in New Hampshire there could soon be another option: alkaline hydrolysis, or resomation. The technique -- which is used to dispose of animals, and cadavers used in medical research -- dissolves bodies in a pressurized mix of lye and hot water. listen:
The Art of the ObituaryBy Liz Bulkley on Wednesday, October 24, 2007.Marilyn Johnson never expected to be an obituary writer. But after she penned a much-read tribute to Princess Diana after her untimely death, Marilyn found herself compelled to write more and more obituaries of high-profile citizens – sometimes for celebrities who hadn't even passed-on yet. Tonight, we'll talk with her about her search for some of the most compelling obituaries and obit writers from around the world, and why she finds the craft so intriguing. Marilyn Johnson is the author of The Dead beat: Lost Souls, Lucky Stiffs, and the Perverse Pleasures of Obituaries. She's giving a presentation at the University of New Hampshire this evening. Click here for details. listen:
In Heaven...By Liz Bulkley on Monday, August 13, 2007.One of the most enduring questions of the human experience is: What will happen to us after we die? Putting aside pop-culture images of the pearly gates, it's one of the most difficult questions to comprehend. That's why the Reverend Roger Ferlo of the Virginia Theological Seminary asked two dozen writers and scholars to share their ideas of Heaven with him. He's collected their essays in a new book that tries to find answers in ambiguity. We'll speak with Dr. Ferlo about his new book, Heaven, and why some of the most faithful Christians still struggle finding a concrete idea of the afterlife. listen:
In Heaven...By Liz Bulkley on Monday, March 26, 2007.One of the most enduring questions of the human experience is: What will happen to us after we die? Putting aside pop-culture images of the pearly gates, it's one of the most difficult questions to comprehend. That's why the Reverend Roger Ferlo of the Virginia Theological Seminary asked two dozen writers and scholars to share their ideas of Heaven with him. He's collected their essays in a new book that tries to find answers in ambiguity. We'll speak with Dr. Ferlo about his new book, Heaven, and why some of the most faithful Christians still struggle finding a concrete idea of the afterlife. listen:
End-of-Life Legislation Clears HouseBy Josh Rogers on Wednesday, February 15, 2006.While supporters say the changes amount to a needed update of a law enacted 15 years ago, critics worried about giving medical workers too much power over life and death decisions. listen: No audio currently available. Order on CD (pdf).
Terri Schiavo: Granite Staters ReactBy Laura Knoy on Friday, March 25, 2005.The Terri Schiavo controversy has the nation riveted. It's brought up political, moral, medical and philosophical questions that have divided people between parties, religious groups even families who generally agree on issues. Today on the Exchange, we'll look at what Granite Staters are saying about the Terri Schiavo case, and at the debate over some bills in our legislature that encourage us to spell out our last wishes more clearly. Laura's guests are Dr. Ira Byock, Director of Palliative Medicine at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and author of two books on end of life care, Rev. Benedict Guevin, Professor of Theology at St. Anselm College. Phyllis Woods, former State representative from Dover and TBA listen:
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No one referred to dying differently. But – no joke – the sluggish economy is changing what people are choosing their final resting place. A growing number is bucking the high-end funeral for simpler, cost-saving measures for laying themselves and loved ones to rest. The traditional American funeral, with wakes, services, expensive coffins, processions, limos and graveside ceremonies, can cost over $6,000, with many reaching much higher numbers.