Series: Greening the Afterlife

(08/19/10) When it comes to making funeral arrangements, many assume that doing so means giving in to death. Not so for Elinor Randall. The Plainfield, Vermont woman makes no bones about planning for her burial. Several years ago, she established a cemetery on her own property. Angela Evancie spoke with Randall about her choice more

(08/20/10) A Vermont coffin builder is taking a new approach to burial. Richard Winter, sole proprietor of Vermont Coffins, builds biodegradable coffins from locally harvested wood. It's "back to the land" brought to a new level - a philosophy that Winter's customers appreciate. Angela Evancie visited his wood shop in Calais Vermont and came back with this radio essay. more

(09/02/10) When we think of the death of a family member, we usually think of cemeteries and funeral parlors. But some people are taking burial home. Home burial is legal in both New York and Vermont. In New York, however, a licensed funeral director has to be involved. In our series, "Greening the Afterlife," we've met a Vermont woman who wants to be buried behind her home. And we've heard from a carpenter who builds biodegradable wooden coffins. You can hear those stories and watch slide shows of them on our website, ncpr.org. In part 3 of the series, Angela Evancie introduces us to a Vermont family who already buried a husband and father on their own property. more

(10/19/10) Over the past few months we've been bringing you stories about Vermonters who are "greening the afterlife." Home burial and other do-it-yourself methods are legal in Vermont.

It's different in New York State. Today, we hear from a man who dealt with death on both sides of Lake Champlain - and found that different laws made for a very different experience. Angela Evancie has more in this, Part IV of the series.

(Angela Evancie is working with NCPR this year as part of a Compton Mentor Fellowship.) more