ecorazzi.com :: the latest in green gossip

May 2nd 2008

Andie MacDowell Purchases Property In “Green” Mountain Community

Filed under: buildings and construction, cars-houses — michael @ 11:06 am

Actress Andie MacDowell is getting ready to build a new home in the environmentally-friendly mountain community of Balsam Mountain Preserve, North Carolina. The 4,400 acre development is heavily focused on conservation with 3,000 acres of protected land and 354 home sites. According to the Wall Street Journal, the houses — at elevations from 3,000 to 4,700 feet — can’t be larger than 4,500 square feet and “must use materials that blend the building into the environment.”

MacDowell originally threw down $1 million for a vacant lot just under two acres in size, but has since swapped her property for one of the community’s largest lots; which at 3.5 acres can accommodate a pasture and small barn. Apparently, the property also connects to the community’s equestrian center through a series of trails.

I have no idea if the building materials for the home must be sustainable as well as ‘blended’, but at least the development itself is highly respectful of the nature around it. We’re hopeful Andie will incorporate some eco-friendly elements into her new diggs.

via Wall Street Journal

March 17th 2008

Andie MacDowell: Green And Proud

Filed under: green and famous, thegreenpicture — parrish @ 2:40 pm

Well color me green and call me Andie MacDowell! In a recent interview with Gaiam.com, Andie MacDowell talked about her career, spirituality and going green. When asked how living green was part of her formula for a great life, Andie said: 

It’s important to me. I am actually selling the big house I live in now because it is more than I can justify. My long-term plan is to build a totally green house. I also have a conservation easement on land in Montana, a 2,000-acre piece that will be protected in perpetuity.

I drive a Prius, we eat organic, and we compost and recycle. But what’s really interesting to me is how easy it is for my children to live in ways that will save the earth. My girls are vegetarians because they don’t want to support the degradation caused by raising cattle. Meat has been harder for me to totally give up. I am not a big meat eater, but it is a source of protein that I feel my body needs.

I wish there was a sustainable way for people to have a small amount of meat in their diet. Those of us who grew up spoiled by a culture that wanted to have things easy — we find it difficult. In the end, the adjustments are not hard or a burden. We must change and take responsibility as caretakers of the earth. I include myself in this statement.

Ok well who cares if I disagree with Andie about the meat thing? This chick is going above and beyond the call of duty and I’m totally impressed.  To read the whole interview visit Gaiam.com.