8.5 / 10 (based on 75 reviews)
Documentary series about a family’s attempts to go green. The Strawbridge family – inventor and engineer Dick, his planet-loving wife Brigit and kids James and Charlotte – take on a 300-year-old farmhouse in Cornwall with three acres of land, a leaky roof and no plumbing, electricity or home comforts in sight. Their aim is to live a 21st-century lifestyle and be self-sufficient in energy and food.
Genre: Documentary
Main Cast: Dick Strawbridge, James Strawbridge, Brigit Strawbridge, Charlotte Strawbridge
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3 seasons, 25 episodes, 59-minute runtime
Shows Most Like It’s Not Easy Being Green (2006)
Escape to the Chateau (2016)
8.6 / 10 (based on 1677 reviews)
British engineer Dick Strawbridge and his wife Angel buy a rundown French chateau. The series shows them over the course of a year, as they restore the building that has stood empty for 40 years.
Genre: Documentary
Main Cast: Tracy Ann Oberman, Dick Strawbridge, Angel Adoree, Jennifer Newman
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8 seasons, 45 episodes
Escape to the Chateau DIY (2018)
8.1 / 10 (based on 348 reviews)
Many Brits have moved to France to buy crumbling French chateaus to renovate into stunning homes. This series follows their progress and sees them try to use their homes as a business for events, etc.
Genre: Documentary
Main Cast: Dick Strawbridge, Angelina Baillie-Smith, Philip Baillie-Smith, Angela Hall
Creators: Paul Crompton
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6 seasons, 100 episodes
Dirty Rotten Survival (2015)
8 / 10 (based on 89 reviews)
Three friends reinvent the great American road trip by giving each other survival challenges. Dick is an engineer, Johnny is a builder and Dave is a primitive survivalist. With each episode they tackle new terrains and challenges with limited or unusual supplies.
Genre: Adventure
Main Cast: Dave Canterbury, John Littlefield, Dick Strawbridge
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1 season, 10 episodes
Escape to the Chateau: Make Do and Mend (2020)
7.5 / 10 (based on 36 reviews)
Dick and Angel Strawbridge help families across the UK tackle their design and DIY dilemmas, with a little help from their children Dorothy and Arthur.
Genre: Reality-TV
Main Cast: Angel Adoree, Dick Strawbridge
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2 seasons, 6 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
In an era where environmental consciousness is more than just a trend, it’s a necessity, the TV show “It’s Not Easy Being Green” emerged in 2006 as a beacon for those looking to make a difference. The series, which aired on the BBC, delves into the lives of the Strawbridge family as they embark on a journey to live a more sustainable lifestyle. Here, we’ll explore the show’s premise, its impact, and why it remains relevant today.
The Strawbridge Family’s Green Adventure
At the heart of “It’s Not Easy Being Green” is the Strawbridge family, led by Dick Strawbridge, a retired lieutenant colonel, engineer, and inventor, alongside his son James. The family’s mission is clear: to renovate a 300-year-old farmhouse in Cornwall, England, and live as sustainably as possible. This involves generating their own electricity, growing their own food, and minimizing waste—a daunting task that many of us can only imagine undertaking.
The Challenges
The Strawbridges faced numerous obstacles, from the technical difficulties of installing and maintaining renewable energy systems to the daily challenges of sustainable living. One memorable episode showcases the installation of a waterwheel as a renewable energy source. The process, fraught with setbacks, highlights the perseverance and innovation required to live green.
The Solutions
For every challenge, the Strawbridges found innovative solutions. They installed solar panels, a wind turbine, and a biodigester, which converts waste into energy. Their approach to food was equally inventive, with the family growing their own vegetables and raising chickens and pigs. These efforts showcased not just the feasibility of sustainable living but also its benefits, including reduced energy bills and a healthier lifestyle.
The Impact of the Show
“It’s Not Easy Being Green” was more than just a reality TV show; it was an educational journey that inspired viewers to consider their environmental impact. The Strawbridges’ story proved that with determination and creativity, it’s possible to live a more sustainable life, even if it’s not always easy.
Inspiring Sustainable Living
The show demystified the process of adopting green technologies and practices. By sharing both their successes and failures, the Strawbridges made sustainable living feel accessible. Viewers saw firsthand that while not every green initiative is a success, the effort is worthwhile.
A Ripple Effect
The influence of “It’s Not Easy Being Green” extended beyond its viewership. It sparked conversations about sustainability and encouraged people to think about how they could make their own lives greener. Whether it was installing energy-efficient light bulbs or starting a compost bin, the show inspired actionable change.
Why It Remains Relevant Today
More than a decade after its debut, “It’s Not Easy Being Green” continues to resonate. The challenges of climate change and environmental degradation have only become more pressing, making the show’s message more relevant than ever.
The Evergreen Appeal of Sustainability
Sustainability is not a trend—it’s a necessity. The Strawbridge family’s journey provides timeless insights into the practicalities of living sustainably. Their story serves as a reminder that while individual actions may seem small, collectively, they can lead to significant environmental benefits.
Lessons for Future Generations
The show also offers valuable lessons for future generations. It demonstrates the importance of resilience, innovation, and the willingness to try new things in the face of environmental challenges. These are lessons that will remain relevant as we continue to confront the realities of climate change.
Final Thoughts
“It’s Not Easy Being Green” was a pioneering show that combined entertainment with education, showcasing the highs and lows of sustainable living. The Strawbridge family’s journey was not just about making their farmhouse green; it was a testament to the broader potential for sustainable living to improve our lives and the planet.
As we face the ongoing challenges of environmental sustainability, the lessons from “It’s Not Easy Being Green” remain as pertinent as ever. It reminds us that while adopting a greener lifestyle may not always be easy, it’s both possible and necessary. The show continues to inspire, educate, and motivate those who seek to make a difference, proving that even small changes can have a big impact.