Blogging The New York Times: Home as Classroom

According to the New York Times, teachers are using green homes filled with brand-name products as educational aids. This quote sums it up:

“It’s all mushed together,” said Stephen Drucker, the editor in chief of House Beautiful magazine, of the new show houses. “Altruism and the potential to market new products."

We think show houses are a great educational opportunity, but there's a risk that the principles of green building get lost in the avalanche of brand names. That got us wondering...

When you have visitors, do you show off the zero-VOC paint, the dual flush toilet, or your shower timer? Or do you view your home as more of a quiet statement for a greener way of life?

And what's more important: the brand name or the principles? How can we push for greener construction in an increasingly populated world driven by marketing and advertising?

Photo via NYT article linked above.