URBAN CONVERSION

Rodman, a global warming skeptic, puts his views to the test. First, he learns the basics of wind energy visiting a backyard where a smaller turbine helps power a single home. Next, he learns about the theory behind installing solar panels to contribute to the grid. Still wondering how he will bring this into his own life, he is introduced to the growing phenomenon of solar farms.

After coming to terms with the fact that a family of four probably needs a bit of space, Rodman and Gina continue to explore what other types of alternative builds could be in their future. They are introduced to a family built rammed earth construction home, the benefits of retrofitting an existing build and learning about the environmental benefits of straw bale housing.

Rodman and Gina are looking towards the future and what their next home may look like. Their liaison to alternative-environmentally friendly building practices, Brian Fuentes, sets them up on a tour of three examples of living simply and small. Rodman and Gina weigh in on a tiny home, a hand made cordwood home, container home and even get a laugh out of a tree house.

Gina asks her friend, corporate green consultant Stacey Lambright to come by and audit the office. Stacey shows Rodman where he can improve and gives him his green grade. Gina is then surprised with a knock at the door and green audit of her own. Rodman and Gina debate who did better before Stacey puts an end to it with a trip to an actual landfill to see the where trash goes if it’s not diverted.

Rodman and Gina expand their artistic horizons at PalletFest, a festival dedicated to putting upcycled art and fashion on display. In the process, Rodman works with an upcycled fashion designer who makes clothing out of discarded bike tubes, squares off with Gina in a team based competition to turn shipping pallets into large sculptures and visits with eclectic artists turning trash to treasure.

In the U.S. alone, 133 billion pounds of food are wasted each year. It’s no surprise that gleaning, foraging and freegan ideology are becoming a popular trend. Rodman and Gina join Freegan vlogger and co-creator of FallenFruit.org, Ethan Welte for a hands on demonstration of the good that can be done through gleaning local farmers markets for food banks and urban foraging for wild fruit.

Rodman is consumed by work and obligations in a fast paced technology filled lifestyle. A therapy session with Reuvain Bacal leads him to the realization he is suffering from Nature Deficit Disorder. Following doctors' orders, he finds himself hiking Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, horseback riding in the wilderness and taking part in a fire ritual.