Greenovate

Eco-focused home redo show is fine for kids.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this reality series -- which follows property owners as they "green" up their to homes to make them more environmentally friendly and increase their resale value -- is pretty tame overall. Very occasional swear words (usually uttered by frustrated builders) are fully bleeped out. Company logos are occasionally visible on various construction vehicles, and some builders sport T-shirts that advertise their company and their contact information. Still, kids probably won't be that interested unless they're like learning about construction, home improvement projects, or living a greener lifestyle.
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What's the Story?
GREENOVATE follows property owners as they add green features to energy-deficient homes to make them more eco-friendly and increase their resale value. From room renovations to complete house flips, homeowners work with forest stewardship-certified builders, eco designers, and green real estate experts to make changes that will save energy and lead to a huge financial gain once the home is sold.
Is It Any Good?
Homeowners and contractors are shown working together, using a variety of durable and repurposed materials. But, like any renovation series, the show also highlights some of the more difficult and frustrating problems that arise. Many of the homeowners suffer unexpected and often expensive setbacks -- including unexpected structural problems, shipping delays, and working with materials that have been incorrectly measured. But despite scheduling problems and blown budgets, all the hard work appears to pay off thanks to the energy that will be saved and the money homeowners will make when they sell the upgraded house.
While much of the show's focus is on how green renovations translate into major financial gains, it never moves away from highlighting the importance of finding ways to support the environment. And despite some very occasional strong language (which is fully bleeped) and visible company logos, the show is fine for all ages. Kids may not be particularly interested in the subject matter, but for anyone intrigued by green renovation ideas, this show is sure to please.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about ways to make their more environmentally friendly. Is it realistic to think that your home can undergo a "greenovation" without spending a lot of money? Families can also discuss the increasing trend of "home makeover" TV shows in general. Why are these shows so popular? Can people really learn renovation tips from these shows, or are they just for entertainment?
TV Details
- Premiere date: December 3, 2007
- Cast: Kaye Kittrell
- Network: Planet Green
- Genre: Reality TV
- Topics: Science and Nature
- TV rating: TV-G
- Last updated: February 24, 2022
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