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Green does not have to mean unfashionable and scruffy

With all this talk about Green from our our own Dena and JaneAnn, I started doing a little research and came upon a great article and site that are so refreshing, I needed to share it with you.

Neal Woodburn of Gadling - the travelers weblog, starts off by saying "It wasn't so long ago that "environmentally conscious" meant scratchy hemp clothing and unshaved armpits. Times have changed, however. A handful of architects and designers are now crafting eco-friendly products that don't sacrifice fashion and comfort for the sake of the planet. This means we can be stylish and save the world while doing so."

That statement is so true - green does not have to mean unfashionable and scruffy - "green believers" don't have to wear Birkenstocks and Flannel. There is a new wave, a wave about loving our earth and our environment without compromising style.

Neal also guides you to an incredible site called Hybrid Living that highlights green designers with profiles and tours including cities like Seattle, Washington DC, Phoenix, Miami, Chicago, New York and Los Angeles.

Don't miss LIVING HOMES featuring pre-fabricated homes designed by architect Ray Kappe - those homes blew me away for many reasons - simplicity, materials, modern design and overall feel.

Posted by Rick & Ines - Miami Beach Real Estate on 04/28/2007 10:37 PM

Comments (18)

green awareness, miami, architecture, project blogger

Originally posted at: Miami Real Estate Blog: Green does not have to mean unfashionable and scruffy

18 Comments on Green does not have to mean unfashionable and scruffy

APR

2007

Hi Rick and Ines:

Glad to see that Janeanne and Dena are having a positive influence on you!

Being environmentally conscious has definitely taken a shift in the last 5 years. I think the Global Warming debate has really contributed to this, since it is a story that just does not go away. Also, businesses and people have started to figure out how you can make alot of money by being/going green.

The Living Home site is also very interesting. Would like to see photos of completed homes. Prices are pretty competitive.

Thanks for the good green info!

Ines, thanks for the mention. And I am soooo glad I don't have to buy Birkenstocks, they just aren't my speed. I'm off to google architect Ray Kappe and learn more.

Bill- I've always been environmentally conscious, but now Dena and janeAnne have encouraged me to express it in my blog...and why not? As an architect I understand the need to be true to design, true to the material, but most importantly, true to our earth. I love to read about new creative ways that people are using to help out. Ray Kappe's pre-fab homes would be outrageous in the mountains in N. Carolina.

Dena - I knew that would make you laugh - I know Kappe won't dissapoint you.

Ines: Thanks so much for pointing out the elegance of green--and the cool link!

Ines, this is a great example of what a green house can look like. The movie really made it look inviting. So many think that a green home has to look odd, really they are fashionable and comfortable. They can look like what ever style you like, just well thought out.

Ines:

So Janeanne and Dena helped you come our of the Green closet? I think that is cool! I never realized how many Green Realtors are really out there. If we have folks with thesetype of beliefs in this industry, then I think there is a chance to find similar people in almost every other industry.

I have a good friend who is a Green Architect in Ft. Myers, Rob Andrys. Have you been studying green design?

I think those Ray Kappe's pre-fab homes would go over well here in Asheville. Just need to get some more information. I have a couple of clients who might really be interested in these.

Ines~

I LOVE Ray Kappe! I have just been corresponding with Living Homes to get permission to do a little article about what's happening with them and am very excited about what is happening!!! Thanks so much for the information here and hope to read many more eco-wise articles from you.

APR

2007

Ines.... he is so true. I can remember growing up making those exact statements, especially while entering college in the mid to late '80s. And now look at so many of us, that do take this seriously. Great post.

jeff belonger

Oh gee, I wear non-leather Birks. Does that make me frumpy or just sensible?

Terry Haugen - STAGE it RIGHT!

Roberta - you always know how to sum it up......I really like "the elegance of green"

Dena - I just loved it because it's my style - I could live in one of those right now.

Bill- I did not study green design - but I can tell you that UM's architecture school without calling it "green" is very environmentally conscious and that's through its history, not just recently. We know that there needs to exist a balance of man and nature and that we can coexist. The urban planning program always emphasizes the need for green space and there is a wave against "concrete taking over".....not the material...figuratively speaking.

When I showed Rick Ray Kappe's house he said "that would be perfect in the mountains by Asheville"...that's your market! (ps, my sister-in-law are developers in Hendersonville).

janeAnne - I can't wait to read the article - I was so impressed with that little piece on Living Homes and the price is very affordable also - I wondered if those homes could be built in S. Florida with the humidity we have and the "hurricane quotient".

Jeff - it just takes a couple of people to make the step into erasing to pre-conceived notions and we're on our way.

Terry- I do too...just stay away from the flannel and those Birks at the same time! : )

I guess green can be what you make it. Fumpy or cool, it's about personal taste. I for one am glad we have alternatives. Sameness is most boring.

Kristal - AMEN for alternatives!!

I think that there are some green things that people forget about everyday!

but right now I think it is funny that people still believe that Dustin Hoffman's line in Meet the Fokkers was a super Green idea ... "If it's yellow let it mellow!"

Sorry, Ines I've got to pop in here. David people in Colorado, especially if they are on a well still use that saying. And it works try it for a month and check your water usage.

Ines - I was intrigued with the "Green Group" - so I thought I'd check it out - nice article, seems I have more to learn. Have a great, green day :-)

David and Dena - I have to say I laughed with David's comment, but laughed even harder with Dena's - thanks for the entertainment.

Cyndee - I am glad you checked out the green group, I've learned so much already and you have a great week!

APR

2007

Ines and Rick, yes now Green is Hip. No longer the weirdos that everyone associated with being eco-friendly. And you are right, as long as we continue to make homes and life styles in harmony with our planets survival, it all works and there is more buy-in from the public. In this age of less time and more responsibility we need to make sure that what we ask of people is doable and enticing. Great article.

MAY

2007

Gena - I thought it was a great article as well - something to learn from.

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