September 20th 2007
The Green Picture: Julia Roberts Loads Up On Solar Panels
Filed under: buildings and construction, thegreenpicture — michael @ 3:45 pm

Julia Robert’s new green home is taking shape and the actress is loading up on the solar panels; as seen in the above enthusiastic photo. Her home also features wood harvested from sustainable forests, recycled tiles, and other energy conservation additions. We’re thinking Ed Begley’s wife is going to be a little green with envy over this one….





Sweet. Where are all of the trees? I hate it when they bulldoze a lot dry and then plant baby trees later. I’m only assuming that’s what happened here. Still like the solar panels, though!
too bad she uses enough space to house about 200 Africans. Buying a pre-existing house would have been more environmentally friendly, and living in a reasonable sized house for that matter. Doubt those solar panels will fuel her air conditioner. Its all about image really, she’s still living larger than any average North American, so I don’t see what’s so special.
Solar panels are HORRIBLE. There is no safe way to dispose of them after they live out their purpose (VERY toxic chemicals) and they aren’t efficient at all. I like the concept of sustainable energy and saving the environment but solar panels are not the way to go.
Looks like a dream home to me. Way to go, Julia! Let me know if you need any roommates.
So celebrities who go “green” are better, just because they can afford it. Its “greenwashing.” The only reason they are doing it is because it is hip, expensive, and gets you on to a website.
Every vehicle in this picture is gas guzzler. How are those panels gonna work under a haze of smog?
As much as I like green homes, I’m having a little trouble feeling enthusiastic a home that is likely eight to ten thousand square feet, requiring even greater destruction of trees and plant-life in order to accommodate the extravagant size.
Let’s hope all those SUVs dotted around the property are running on biofuel…
This picture reminds me of those “save the environment” bumper stickers on a back of a hummer.
Her home is still under construction, folks. Hence the construction vehicles around the lot.
I know it’s difficult to feel all green on the inside for massive homes. Unfortunately, the reality is they’re not going to go away. The best we can hope for is that others intent on building so damn large follow Julia’s example by creating green structures and taking advantage of sustainable materials and renewable energy.
A few solar panels + seven motor vehicles = sustainability?
“Solar panels are HORRIBLE. There is no safe way to dispose of them after they live out their purpose (VERY toxic chemicals) and they aren’t efficient at all. I like the concept of sustainable energy and saving the environment but solar panels are not the way to go.”
I had no idea. will research this….
How many trees were cut down to clear the lot????
How much water is being dumped on 2 her yard to keep her grass green??
utter b.s.
At least she’s thinking about it, and doing something. Luckily she has the money to be able to afford it…
The majority of the vehicles look like they are construction vehicles. It is good that she is building sustainable in the building methods and the products they are using. However having a smaller footprint overall would go a long way. Hence not having a mansion, when you could get by with a house half the size, which would still be extravagant.
I have not met any of you that previously commented, but I am sure you are all pussies and I could kick your asses. GOOD FOR YOU!!!!!! THANKSSSSSS!!!!
SMUG ALERT!!!!
[…] joins Julia Roberts, Brad Pitt, and Ben Harper as celebs with plans (or already completed ones) to further green their […]
I can definitely understand why some people would say it’s hard to get enthusiastic about a home that huge using solar power, but I choose to look at it this way: at least she’s trying to do something to reduce her carbon footprint. The reality is that elebrities built enormous new homes every day, and if all of them did what Julia is trying to do, it would at least reduce some of their impact on the power grid. True, it would be better if they bought existing homes, but better some change than none. Perhaps next time, she will be better informed and make better choices. But for her effort, I applaud her.
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