NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (August 22, 2007) — Brad Pitt toured the construction site of the housing project he helped set up in New Orleans’ Lower 9th Ward yesterday, an area recovering from the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina.
The actor and humanitarian was joined by the “Today” show’s Ann Curry, who spoke with him about the environmentally-friendly project in conjunction with Global Green USA.
“I know a lot of the people here. I care very much for the area,” said Pitt, who purchased a home in New Orleans with his partner, Angelina Jolie, in January.
The house currently under construction is the first of five planned for the area, based on the winning design from a competition Pitt spearheaded.
“All the materials here are nontoxic,” Brad explained. “And I think, for the family that’s going to be here, especially being a father — that it’s got to feel good to know that he’s giving his family a better way of life.”
“This house does not poison the environment. It’s respectful to the-- to the people who will be here after. It’s very simple,” he said of the house’s design, noting that it wasn’t necessary to use potentially harmful new technology in its implementation.
Ann asked Brad why a man of his wealth and fame would care so deeply about those displaced by the hurricane.
“It’s a justice issue,” he replied. “What we saw [with] Katrina is that there is a portion of our society that’s being overlooked. And-- and so-- in the aftermath, we’re not going to be able to bring back the friends and family that are lost. We’re not going to be able to bring back their heirlooms and their photographs.”
But with the Global Green housing project, Pitt believes that displaced families will be given a fighting chance to rebuild.
“Maybe we can provide a better way of life,” he said. “Maybe we can find some good out of this. And that has to deal with justice and fairness. And-- and what I think this place proves is that this technology, that this healthier way of life, this better way of life, is applicable to all economic levels.”
Rather than depending on oil, which is both expensive and a pollutant, Pitt stressed the importance of relying on solar, wind and waterpower.
“Any one of these can be harnessed,” Brad explained. “And we can integrate ourselves into that ecosystem. And not only power our houses, but actually produce energy for other parts of the city. So that was the goal here.” This particular house is-- the family that will live here will save $75 on their energy bill. Which is a huge saving for any of us.”
For Brad, the housing project is an example of how the world at large can work toward a better future.
“Little steps like this-- I’m proud of it because it helps create a dialogue,” he said. “It brings more knowledge and puts these ideas into practice. There’s a lot of people doing it, and we’re happy to be a part of it.”
Part One of Ann’s interview with Brad appeared this morning on NBC’s “Today” show. Part two will air on tomorrow’s show, beginning at 7:00 AM.
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