Do TV programmes about being green do more harm than good?
Katymac
posted on 05-12-06
Do the people in them come accross as geeks or fools?
Does it make being green look less attainable to the general public?
Are there any upsides? (esp for the people involved)
Sorry guys I know it's not exactly "on topic" but I'm going round in circles here
(GBP) Keith
posted on 05-12-06
Interesting point Katy as I've just discussed this very question in my latest editorial in the winter edition of BFF. One of my concerns is that programmes such as Grand designs always look to feature 'eco--palaces' which are way out of the budget of 95% of the population and in my opinion makes 'going green' seem like a domain of the middle-rich classes.
Rachel
posted on 05-12-06
I think one has to be selective. Fortunantely Grand Designs did not film our house, as they seem to focus too much on the dramas. Altho Ben Law's house came over fantastically and changed the way many people look at Eco build. In many cases it depends on the integrity of the home owner too. BBc Wales made 3 programmes about our house and they were really serious about what we were creating and so it came over well. I tend to ignore the tv companies who are too hipey and who don't seem to listen. We make sure we don't just give the show over to them and that we have a say in the material. It's not always their fault, as they are learning too and the more clear info those in the know give, the more genuine can be their presentation- and they usually appreciate it.
Doctor C
posted on 05-12-06
a fascinating and very wide ranging topic.
there are many levels to this
there is the cost - middle class very wealthy solution that buys every green thing available at exorbitant price and puts the mere mortals off versus the 'do a few small things' that save money and the environment at minimal or no cost
there is also the TV generated image that the super-uber-green walk round in hand knitted hemp undercrackers, cannot miss a druid festival, and will not stand for any interior decor that cannot be tie-dyed.
the media always has and alway will gravitate to the extremes - showing someone changing lightbulbs is not a ratings winner.
real people tackling green issues in a 'bog standard' Barratt style suburbia would be interesting, as the ycan show the inor across the spectrum to the major and the implications and be understandable to 'the common man' as to the direct effects and posibilities for them
Katymac
posted on 05-12-06
Well I was asked if I was basically normal
I replied that although I shopped at the farmers market, I drove there in my people carrier and nipped in to Tescos on my way back
I am not a "knit your own lentil" type person living in a yurt
However, my nursery isn't really standard normal stuff either
Matt Robinson
posted on 07-12-06
I agree that many of the 'green' TV programmes show that going green is either:
a) Chuffing expensive, on a super-sized mansion with a pile of technologically advanced 'eco-toys' and out of reach of millions.
When will we see a programme that gets to grips with what REAL low energy, sustainable building is? (sustainable not just environmentally, but financially, socially and culturally acceptable).
or (and worse IMHO)
b) dominated by hippies who knit their own yoghurt, can rustle up a wind turbine over lunch and put up with living in re-cycled straw yurts that are cold and draughty and have a composting toilet 50 yards away.*
I have to say (sorry Kieth) that BFF can at time also propagate these portrayed images as well - the front cover on Spring 2006 issue as a case in point. A (I am sure) lovely lady plastering her own home dressed in a ripped t-shirt and flowery skirt. When we do seminars with developers and builders, we have all our back issues of BFF and other reference stuff out for information - and that one regularly gets a derisory laugh....
I also think that as an industry and 'group' we put out too many confuzzling messages about how to do sustainable buildings, which is then drowned out by businesses out to over state and sell a specific product....*
*hold up hand as director of sustainable building company, complete with composting toilet 50yds away...
Green Building Bible ((both volumes) fourth edition) These two books are the perfect starting place to help you get to grips with one of the most vitally important aspects of our society - our homes and living environment.
1 year Green Building magazine subscription Green Building magazine is the UK's only eco-building magazine. It always features a wide range of eco-building projects from all around the UK.
Ecohouse 3 Sue Roaf never fails to impress with her inexaustible energy, forthright opinion and attention to detail. Ecohouse has become a classic in the green building genre.
