More than ever, we earthlings are wondering how best to live on our planet in an efficient and environmentally friendly way. There is an entire community that has been doing just that since the 1970’s in New Mexico. Their homes made out of surrounding dirt, old tires, bottles, cans, refuse and waste. Even though it is past due, Earth Ship sustainable housing is an idea whose time has come. No longer marginal or a quasi-secret that travels almost under the radar in environmental or architectural circles, finally, Earth Ships are making their way to the mainstream. An article about them appeared yesterday in an article on Common Dreams, reprinted from The Independent/UK.
A friend and I were on the outskirts of Taos, New Mexico a few years ago and became curious about a strange-looking community in the distance announced by a sign that beckoned us to discover these architectural wonders as known as Earth Ships. See what some of them look like on a Flickr photo site devoted to Earthship biotecture.
These passive solar Earth Ship houses are totally off the grid, self-sufficient, sustainable, environment and climate controlled, have their own rainwater collection system, and are attractive and utterly fascinating. The model house we visited on a very hot summer day was actually cool inside the more than 2′ thick walls, and not only had plantlife growing and a water cistern inside, but also a wonderfully substantial cocoon-like ambience and yet, it was filled with natural light from multiple skylights and windows. It was one of the most interesting environments I’ve ever experienced. Perhaps most impressive of all, now Earth Ships are justifiably touted to help in the fight against global warming. Check out what people who like Earth Ships are saying.
And now, Earth Ships are going global. Their inventor, architect, designer and creator Michael Reynolds, who calls himself a ‘biotect’ is now building Earth Ships all over the world. See a video of Reynolds talking about Earth Ship construction methods and giving an informative tour HERE.
And don’t miss the DVD about Michael Reynolds and his bioarchitecturally sustainable Earth Ships called “Garbage Warrior.”
I read your story about Earthships. While it is an interesting read, you must realize that the tires used in these dwellings are all toxic. They emit their own form of toxic gas and are not healthy to be living around. Another thing, Michael Reynolds may be the one who has designed and marketed these dwellings, at a large income for him, but it was the late Joe Hoar who was Michael Reynolds’ personal fix-it handyman that corrected the many design flaws of these earthships and made them actually sustainable. Get all of your facts straight, don’t discount the toxic content of the tires and remember the guy who actually perfected these dwellings. If you have any more questions, please feel free to contact me. Mike Kitts, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Interesting comment about possible controversial use of materials. Anyone have anything to say about toxicity of tires embedded in concrete casing?
While not the definitive authority, Wikipedia has a lengthy entry on tire recycling that indicates various toxicity problems with burned or moisture-exposed tires. However, it also states that discarded tires may be used effectively in many ways, the earth-rammed tire covered with concrete for construction of Earthships as one of them.
This is not to dismiss the debate, and we’d love to hear from Mike again for more specific information. For others readers and especially tire/rubber experts, we ask, if there is a problem, how to solve it?
New technologies are moving progress!
With pleasure to read! The author thanks!