It's not easy being green
No, I'm not refering to Kermit the frog's song but BBC's new series about one family's astonishing attempt to go green. The Strawbridge family (dad - Dick, mum - Briget and kids - James and Charlotte) have taken on a 300 year old farmhouse in Cornwall with three acres of land, leaky roof and worst of all - no electricity, plumbing or other home comforts. The Strawbridge's aim to live a modern lifestyle and be self-sufficient for energy and food.
Updated!
I'm absolutely gutted that I missed the first episode on Tuesday (I blame BBC 2 Wales digital) but I gather that the family built a water wheel to power their lighting. In the next episode Dick, a retired Lieutenant-Colonel, plans to built a heat exchange made from recycled glass to keep his green house warm at night, as well as a solar shower. You can also see how the family's permaculture vegetable plot is coming on. Plus there are pigs and chickens to care for that are sadly destined for dinner.
There's a book due to be published 'The House that Dick Built / It's not easy being green', which can be ordered from Amazon (don't forget to do this through the Water Aid link). The series will be shown every Tuesday night until 9th May at 8pm. I certainly won't be missing the next one and there will be regular weekly links on Hippyshopper following their progress. By the way, if anyone actually saw the programme, I'd love to hear your comments (below). [Ella]
Related Links: The Independent 20th March - Living The Eco Life In Cornwall / BBC Gardeners World News
Update: I was kindly send a copy (thanks Guy). The first episode was fascinating; I couldn't get over their enthusiasm despite all the hardwork needed to get their project up and running. Of course, they couldn't have done it without their student army of helpers and their advisors. Why not do an environmental audit like the Strawbridge's did of their old lifestyle? Get Donnachadh McCarthy's book - 'Saving the planet without costing the earth - 500 simple steps to a greener lifestyle'. I loved the way that Donnachadh was able to transform his London semi into an eco-house - you don't actually need a farm in Cornwall to live a greener home life! Can't wait for tonight's episode..... [Ella]
I liked the way he still wanted his coffee machine and other modern comforts, but they obviously had the money behind them to do all these things. Still enjoyed the programme and found it very inspiring, I'm sure we'll be getting the book.
Posted by: Katherine | March 30, 2006 12:39 PM