Earthships: The Story Of These Eco-Friendly Homes

You might ask yourself, "What on Earth is an Earthship?" It's a fair question. For starters, they're not ships at all; they are permanent structures. Earthships are the ultimate off-grid home that works with the environment instead of against it. Most are constructed of recycled material designed to blend in with the landscape.

Typical Designs found in Earthships

Photo byNick RizkallahonUnsplash

While no two Earthships are alike, they have one thing in common - they're built to complement the surrounding landscape with unconventional building materials. This means many structures resemble something from a science fiction movie or post-apocalyptic scene. Some may even look straight out of a Dr. Seuss book. Most are made from adobe, a building material from a mixture of clay, sand, water, and an organic binding material like straw. Recycled materials like tires, glass bottles, and old lumber are also often used.

Peak Off-Grid Living

These structures aren't just for off-grid living; they're geared towards being self-sustaining. The building materials aim to reduce as much consumer waste as possible and even recycle old waste. Most have enormous windows on the Southern face to capitalize on the sunlight. There are ways to collect rainwater, purify a local water source, and adequately contain gray and black water. The wastewater never leaves the property and is naturally treated for reuse in one form or another (usually to water gardens or transform into fertilizer). Solar panels provide their electricity.

The Disadvantages

We know the good things about Earthships, but let's discuss the bad. Sacrificing comfort is the first drawback, as an Earthship home will lack central heating and cooling. Construction takes far longer than a conventional house, as many are one-of-a-kind and built by hand. With all-natural materials, these structures are labor-intensive and require a large team. This brings us to the cost, which ranges from $100,000 for a small model to a million dollars, depending on how large or elaborate the design is. Most lenders will not allow a loan for one because comparing the value to a similar building would be difficult, making them unattainable for many people.

The Empire of the Earthship

Michael Reynolds invented the Earthship in 1969 when he graduated from architecture school, building the first Earthship in Taos, New Mexico. Since the Earthship Academy developed, is where people can learn how to construct them. Michael Reynolds has written books and been featured in TED Talks and countless Earthship construction businesses worldwide.

Knowing if an Earthship is Right for You

If you're one of those lucky people who don't have to worry about costs and you're wondering if an Earthship is the right fit for you. Perhaps it's not in your budget, but you want to know what it feels like to stay in one. A rental may be the answer for you. There are many available for rent on Airbnb or Vrbo, and most are reasonably priced at around $170 a night. This way, you can commit but can also decide if this is your lifestyle.

The Wrap-Up

Earthships are not for everyone, nor are they attainable for many. Suppose you're lucky enough to have all the cash to build or buy one; be ready to work hard and make sacrifices in comfort. If you're genuinely dedicated to the environment, then an Earthship may be your perfect dwelling. You will be independent of the power grid and water supply, so if a major city service outage were to occur with either utility, you would be in good shape. Living sustainably may be the way of the future.

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Article originally written by Stephanie Grant