The Green
Sundance Channel’s THE GREEN, a new weekly primetime destination focusing on environmental topics, was launched April 17, 2007. With THE GREEN, Sundance Channel becomes the first television network in the United States to establish a major, regularly-scheduled programming destination dedicated entirely to the environment. THE GREEN is presented by Lexus and Citi Smith Barney.
THE GREEN presents original series and documentary premieres about the earth’s ecology and concepts of “green” living that balance human needs with responsible care for the planet. THE GREEN reflects the current tipping point in public awareness about ecological issues and the trend towards environmentally sustainable approaches to modern living. The destination is designed to be both edifying and entertaining, with an emphasis on information, practical advice and community building. Presented by Robert Redford, the destination is hosted by award-winning journalist Simran Sethi and community advocate and MacArthur Fellow Majora Carter, two dynamic leaders who have distinguished themselves with revolutionary ideas in such areas as civic planning and global business practices.
Leading off each edition of THE GREEN is the original program “Big Ideas for a Small Planet,” a documentary series presenting the forward-thinking designers, products and processes that are on the leading edge of a new green world. Each episode revolves around a different green theme as it spotlights a specific innovator or innovation that has the potential to transform our everyday lives. The individuals profiled range from scientists to fashion and product designers, entrepreneurs to first-time inventors. The series also features a cast of recurring expert commentators, including activists, scientists, writers, and environmental personalities who provide the big-picture context to each week’s stories. “Big Ideas for a Small Planet” is produced by Scout Productions (“Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” NBC/Bravo and The Fog of War).
Each episode of “Big Ideas for a Small Planet” is paired with a thematically complimentary documentary premiere at 9:30pm e/p. For example, the debut episode of “Big Ideas for a Small Planet” explores alternative fuel sources, and is followed by the television premiere of Crude Awakening – The Oil Crash, a look at the past, present and future of the world’s oil reserves.
One of the subjects covered on episode 110: Paper or Plastic? is about The Ford Model U:
The car is often seen as a symbol of waste in our culture—it uses precious resources and emits CO2 into the environment. But this car, designed by Dr. Gerhard Schmidt from Ford, in conjunction with William McDonough and Michael Braungart of McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry is unlike anything you’ve seen before. The Ford Model U is
a concept car that embodies the “cradle to cradle” principle.
It’s powered by a hydrogen fuel cell supercharged engine, emits almost no CO2, and is 25% more fuel efficient than a gasoline engine. And better yet, all of the parts are recyclable or biodegradable including: recyclable polyester seats, dash, steering wheel, headrests, door trim, and armrests; corn-based biopolymer roof and carpet mats; corn-based fillers in the rubber tires to improve rolling resistance and thus fuel economy; soy-based composite resins form the rear tailgate and side panels; soy-based composite foam for seating; lightweight, recyclable aluminum body.
They made an inside look at the Model U with designer Dr. Gerhard Schmidt as he give use a tour of every aspect of the Model U’s features. They made a test drive in one of the coolest future cars in the industry.
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