Building Green

While the series underscores the relative affordability of making green choices, it's here that the rose-colored vision is considerably less clear. Contreras gives cost tallies and comparisons when they're favorable to the project, like mentioning that the total cost of the straw bales for his 4,000-square-foot home was a surprisingly low $2,600. But he can be vague about actual figures for other items (like the intricate web of heating tubes laid within the foundation), often saying that while the initial cost of such changes may be more than standard alternatives, they'll save money in the long run. Probably true, but wouldn't it be nice to know how long and how much money that is?

If you're considering a building or remodeling project, Building Green will give you plenty of food for thought as you decide what's in the best interests of your family -- and the environment. It provides an intriguing look at how relatively small changes can affect our personal health and the planet's sustainability, and, at the very least, it may inspire you to rethink your own energy consumption and recycling practices. Just be forewarned that the show's hardcore stance against standard building practices may make you feel guilty that your house is insulated with fiberglass (rather than straw from a neighboring farm) or heated by forced air that also pumps pollutants throughout the rooms. If you tune in with environmentally minded kids, they're not likely to let you forget these shortcomings, either.