Has anyone seen this show? We don't have cable, so we haven't actually watched it. But we were intrigued after we read New York Magazine's take on the show: "Watch rich people show off their unattainable, but environmentally sound, vanity projects!" Those of you who have seen it... is that the impression you get as well?
We watched a few clips online — a number with David Gottfried, founder of the U.S. Green Building Council, as well as one clip that showed the application of a dirt floor and highlighted the energy efficiency of clay walls — and none of these clips seemed to jump out as ostentatious or preening.
Granted, we know there's always a fine line between inspiration and discouragement. ("I'll never have the money to do that!") But in general, we think it's usually good to see what's possible in green design given time, energy, and yes, money. All with the hopes that eventually those innovations will be commonplace enough that everyone will be able to afford them and implement them into their daily life.
What do you think of the show? And about this question in general? Do amazing green homes inspire you or turn you off?
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
While the home on that show are well designed and droolable I have to agree with New York Magazine, most are unattainable, even as inspiration because some of the things that make those homes so wonderful are the obscenely expensive eco systems and gadgets or elements that only work well in that particular home's climate/area.
I wish Planet Green had a broader eco mixture of shows that featured items that were more attainable and relevant at a variety of price points to the rest of the country. It seems that they think you must live in California, Seattle, or New York and spend bucketloads of cash on every new eco item that comes out there to live an environmentally friendly (and stylish) lifestyle. I'd love to see multiple green options presented. Often I get the feeling depending upon the show that it's "one way or the high way" if something say an eco countertop is something that you don't like/can't afford/won't fit your durablity needs, etc./isn't available locally. It would be great if were a little more like Apartment Therapy.
view Condo Blues's profile