Earthships: Self-Sustaining Homes for a Post-Apocalyptic Land? (2014)
Earthships: Self-Sustaining Homes for a Post-Apocalyptic Land? is a captivating documentary that transports us to the desert mesa of New Mexico, where a remarkable experiment in sustainable living unfolds. Directed by Kirsten Dirksen, this film introduces us to the ingenious concept of Earthships—architectural marvels that challenge conventional notions of housing and self-sufficiency.
- The Earthship Vision:
- Architect Mike Reynolds conceived Earthships in the 1970s.
- These otherworldly shelters rise from the earth, half-buried and covered in adobe.
- Earthships are nearly completely self-sufficient homes: no electrical grid, no water lines, no sewer.
- They embody resilience, resourcefulness, and a deep connection to nature.
- The Greater World Earthship Community:
- Situated on 633 acres near Taos, New Mexico, this community comprises about 70 passive solar homes.
- These homes are constructed from earth and recycled materials (including tires, cans, and glass bottles).
- The community faced challenges, including being shut down as an illegal subdivision in 1997.
- Today, the county cooperates with Earthship Biotecture, allowing experimentation and recycling.
- Inside an Earthship:
- Tom Duke, a former pro volleyball player, built his dream home—an Earthship.
- His house collects rainwater, recycles water four times (thanks to indoor greenhouse plants), and processes its own sewage.
- Earthships are adaptable: from tiny survival pods to family-sized dwellings.
- They demonstrate that sustainable living is not a compromise but a conscious choice.
- Global Relevance:
- Earthships transcend borders.
- Their principles—water harvesting, passive solar design, and waste recycling—apply universally.
- Whether in the developing world or suburban America, Earthships inspire change.
- A Call to Rethink Housing:
- “Earthships: Self-Sustaining Homes for a Post-Apocalyptic Land?” challenges us to reimagine shelter.
- It invites us to consider our impact on the planet and embrace innovative solutions.
- Earthships prove that even in a post-apocalyptic scenario, creativity and resilience can thrive.
As we grapple with environmental crises, Earthships stand as beacons of hope—a testament to human ingenuity and our ability to harmonize with nature.
