KEY POINTS:
New Zealand-made television series Wa$ted proved saving the environment can be entertaining this week, winning Best Observational Format at the MIPTV Awards in Cannes.
Part of the MIPCOM Festival, the world's biggest television trade market, the award is voted by industry executives from around the globe.
Creator and producer Carthew Neal said the award was very exciting and was sure to attract international attention.
The series, which screened on TV3 earlier this year, looks at how individuals and families can cut household waste and save money at the same time.
Green programmes have traditionally been a hard sell for producers, making the programme's achievement even more significant, said Mr Neal.
"No one was prepared to go there. It has always been seen as a rather uninteresting topic."
Wa$ted has managed to break that stereotype and has already been picked up by broadcasters in Canada and Finland.
Local versions of the programme are also underway in Spain, Denmark and America.
A second New Zealand series is currently in production and due to screen in early 2008.
