Smells Like Green Spirit

The exhibit of the “home of the future,” a high tech and eco-friendly home designed to fit on an urban lot opened last week at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, and I had the good fortune of working in the gardens on opening day!

I wasn’t supposed to, but I snuck in the house on a break from my volunteer shift, and I tell you what…if I go missing anytime soon, it’s because I’m living in one of the upstairs closets of this chic eco-wonder.

With sensitive solar panelling, beautiful rooftop gardens containing succulents, a grill that uses the sun to cook items, an exterior that is virtually maintenance free…with shower tiles made of recycled glass, an energy system that generates more energy than it uses, a water reclamation system, and the fact that no trees were cut down for the structure of the home…this house is a high tech, heavenly haven of green living.

Sure, sure, not all of us can afford the $450,000 to $500,000 it would cost to put one of these over our heads, but it’s chock full of inspiration for one’s own home!

Out in the edible gardens right now are the early season veggies and plant like lettuce, bok choy, chives, and apparently I was the last person to learn that pansies are edible (as a sweet tasting garnish)! As the seasons change, more edible goodies will be added to the garden, which also includes several types of composting bins (one with worms), a rain barrel for watering the garden, and Earth Boxes, which many people enjoy with success, especially for gardens with not much space. Please come and visit us over at the Smart House!

Here’s a link with a video of the house just before opening day:

ABC News Video of the Smart Home

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