Alternative Building
urban conversion

Topics: Large scale eco-building. After coming to terms with the fact that a family of four probably needs a bit of space, Rodman and Gina continue to explore what other types of alternative builds could be in their future. They are introduced to a family built rammed earth construction home, the benefits of retrofitting an existing build and learning about the environmental benefits of straw bale housing.

Episode Duration: 26 minutes and 46 seconds

Episode Number: 206

About Urban Conversion:

URBAN CONVERSION follows fiscally conservative businessman and host Rodman Schley as he seeks to learn more about the sustainability movement.

It is all in an effort to get on the same page as his wife Gina, who wants their family to lead an eco-friendly, environmentally conscious lifestyle.

While Rodman enjoys living with all the modern conveniences of the city, Gina would rather move the family to a simple, low impact life in a rural setting.

In the spirit of compromise, Rodman and Gina begin to seek ways to bring the country to the city and begin their own "Urban Conversion".

Each episode goes beyond the buzzword to find out first-hand what the "green scene" is all about.

Cultivating an urban farm, understanding backyard beekeeping, and learning about alternative fuels are just a few of the issues Rodman explores.

Schley lends his common sense (and often humorous) perspective to the viewer through hands-on learning experiences, interviews with experts, and profiles of eco-leaders who have built their lives around living more sustainably.

The series is set in Colorado, but takes the Schley family across the nation to cities like Detroit, where urban farming is helping to heal a community, and Washington D.C., where White House chef Sam Kass gives them an educational tour of First Lady Michelle Obama's vegetable garden.


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