The 2011 Solar Decathlon is THE big green deal going down in DC at the moment. Reclaimed Home will be heading down there in….oh, a few hours…to check out the green scene. Thanks to Ogilivy Public Relations and their client, The American Chemistry Council aka Plastics Make it Possible for sending us (Yeah, I’m dragging the hubby) all expenses paid! Carfare, hotel, *swanky cocktails and dinner….the works.

Oh, but the best part of course, is we get to cover the Decathlon. Not only that, but we’ll have our very own celebrity tour guide. Brooks Utley, that smiley carpenter from HGTV’s “The $250,000 Challenge” and “Designed to Sell” will be on hand to show us how plastics make it possible (How do you like how I incorporated that?) to make our homes more energy efficient.

The U.S. Department of Energy is the force behind the Solar Decathlon, which has been a biennial event since 2002.  Collegiate teams compete to design, build, and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and visually appealing. The winner is the team that blends all of these principles together in the best way.

There will be loads to report once I actually go to the event, but in anticipation, I’m gonna guess how these showcase homes will use plastics.

1. Solar Panels. Hello! This IS the Solar Decathlon after all!

2. Decking. Composite material made from recycled plastic is a favorite durable deck “lumber” used in place of wood.

3. Carpeting. Yes, there are manufacturers who make carpets out of recycled plastic!

4. Insulation. Ah-a! Foam instead of fiberglass. A lot less itchy to install. KnowwhatImsayin??

5. Piping. PVC is to code in many parts of the country now. Easier to work with than cast iron.

6. Small Appliances. Try finding an electric can opener or coffee maker without some plastic on it.

Ok, I listed the obvious stuff.  I’m looking forward to seeing some real live recycled plastic innovations tomorrow! Will report back next week.

* I made up the swanky part. Could be a 40 of Colt for all I know.