MNN - Mother Nature Network

 

Our friends over at TreeHugger have been tracking Disneyland's Innoventions Dream Home since opening its doors back in June. The model home -- harnessing Disney's knack at whimsical storytelling alongside innovative building techniques and cutting-edge technology -- is supposed to be a glimpse into the future of American homebuilding and design. Sadly, this future ain't looking so green.

 

I thought the folks at Disney -- the home was designed by Tom Zofrea -- would incorporate a modicum of sustainability into the mix but instead we are left with an eco house of horrors filled with energy-guzzling gadgets (73 digital picture frames!) and a rather bland Art Nouveau/Craftsman decor scheme. Yes, there are a few vintage furniture pieces here and there (did the Haunted Mansion have a yard sale?) and some recycled materials used in the kitchen, but over all the home is nothing more than a showcase of plasma screens, product placement, and poor decor choices. So much for teaching the young ones about the perils of over-consumption...

 

Last week, TreeHugger directed readers to ace journalist P.J. O' Rourke's biting, brilliant article for The Atlantic titled "Future Schlock." In the article, O' Rourke tours the very user-friendly but not-so-eco-friendly Dream Home with his daughter and leaves with a few choice words (among them, "beige.") I can't do his piece justice so I'll let you check it out yourself.  I suggest watching this video tour beforehand. Then read O' Rourke's reaction for full impact. 

 

 

Anyone visited the Innoventions Dream Home in the flesh? What green features would you have liked to seen incorporated into the home? I'm thinking ENERGY STAR appliances would be a fine start...

 

Via [TreeHugger]