This season my favorite TV show is developing an environmental sensibility. The critically acclaimed drama 24? Puh-lease. I'm talking about America's Next Top Model. Last night on the ninth cycle of Tyra Banks's reality show for wacky model wannabes, photo director Jay Manuel told the girls Top Model is going green. So far, the only evidence of this is that, instead of the Hummer limos of past seasons, the girls will be riding around L.A. in a bus that says "100% Biodiesel" on the side. Don't worry, they haven't sacrificed all luxury: the inside is still swanky. "I'm pretty supportive of the environmental kick," said Mila, although her support was rewarded by making her the first girl booted from the show.

No word yet on whether the house, built in the Reality Show Mansion architectural style, has green features, too. It certainly has a swimming pool, a fashion runway, and a lot of giant pictures of last season's winner, Jaslene. But I can report that this season's Tyra Mail, the messages from the show's host, is being printed on green-colored paper with a bamboo motif - no word on whether the paper is recycled - and a little placard next to the tub advised the contestants that they could save water by keeping showers under ten minutes. Indeed, the EPA says a five-minute shower uses 10 to 25 gallons of water, compared to about 70 gallons for a tub bath. But it's more efficient if all the girls get in the tub at once, like they did last night, right?

Also, we Top Model fans at National Geographic were delighted and honored to be mentioned in Television Without Pity's hilarious recap of the first episode. Here's Potes, the recapper, on one of the contestants: "She does a crazy walk as she goes out and yells, 'Africa! Africa!' I have not seen one person in National Geographic or on that Oprah special wearing denim leg warmers, I'll tell you that much." We're checking the photo archives and we haven't found any denim leg warmers yet, either - but we'll let you know if something turns up.

How do you think Top Model could go green? Hair weaves made of bamboo? Global warming-themed photo shoots?

— Helen Fields

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