Planet Green
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Steve Thomas is the host of Planet Green's Renovation Nation, a program that focuses on making green renovations to homes across the country. In his regular column on PlanetGreen.com, Steve goes behind the scenes of the show and offers additional tips and insight on green renovation.
The main thing that I did at the Marsh-Fivian house was install the greenhouse. What I like about this couple was their overall philosophy. They bought a little house in the city (if you consider Boulder a city) and their intention was to change the front door and the entrance and to reintegrate it with the streetscape. They were hoping to promote a neighborhood feel. Dense neighborhoods are greener because they make efficient use of space and people tend to drive their cars less.
The front door of the house was around the side, and the front façade of the house was not particular friendly. And Fivian, being an architect, wanted to make the house look like it meshed naturally into the neighborhood. I admire that point of view.
Let's talk about the greenhouse. Marsh, the husband, was born in England. He's also a gardener and wanted to grow food. For that, they bought the greenhouse. This couple was practicing urban agriculture, producing as much food as they can in the garden and greenhouse. It's a cool concept, and it's a good thing to do.
One of the things that we should be doing more on the show and in general, (and I'm as guilty of this as anyone else) is to grow more of our food. The food distribution system has a significant impact on the planet. Getting fresh organic food from your own garden lessens your impact.
Read all about urban and backyard gardens in our Organic Gardening feature.
Watch the Renovation Nation Episode: It's Called Boulder for a Reason
More on Steve Thomas's Travel Journal
How Sturdy are Solar Panels?
Is My Geothermal Well Deep Enough?
Converting Non-Believers with Spray Foam Insulation
Renovation Nation Slideshow: Big Bucks for Retirement and a Texas Aquifer
