In the early 1970s, visionary architect Michael Reynolds revolutionized the idea of sustainable housing with his creation of the Earthship—a self-sufficient home designed to meet all its occupants’ essential needs using natural and recycled materials. Today, the Greater World Earthship Community near Taos, New Mexico, is a thriving example of this concept in action. Home to over 130 people, the community features 79 unique homes, an academy for education, and an internship program that attracts sustainability enthusiasts worldwide.
A Home That Works for You
As explained by Adam Baisley, a member of the Earthship visitor center team, the philosophy behind these homes is simple: “Why spend your life working to maintain a home when your home can sustain you?” This ethos is embodied in every Earthship, which integrates innovative solutions to produce electricity, collect and recycle water, grow food, and regulate temperature naturally.
Each house features south-facing windows that optimize sunlight to keep interiors warm during winter and cool in summer. Rainwater is collected through rooftop cisterns and reused up to four times—first as drinking water, then as greywater for sinks and showers, and finally to irrigate plants and gardens. Solar panels supply renewable energy, and indoor greenhouses grow vegetables and purify air. The result? A fully off-grid home that eliminates reliance on external utilities.
Building Earthships Around the Globe
The Earthship design’s adaptability and eco-friendliness have attracted attention far beyond New Mexico. Earthships can now be found in countries as diverse as Argentina, South Africa, and Australia. Their appeal lies in their scalability: a simple Earthship can be built for as little as $2,000, while larger, more luxurious versions can cost upwards of $500,000. Whether you’re seeking a temporary retreat or a long-term off-grid lifestyle, Earthships offer options for everyone. For those curious but not ready to commit, the Greater World Earthship Community rents homes on a nightly basis.
Sustainable Architecture on the Rise
Michael Reynolds’ work inspired a wave of sustainable architecture, paving the way for initiatives like the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the development of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. These organizations have helped integrate sustainability into mainstream architecture, encouraging energy-efficient and environmentally responsible construction practices worldwide.
Another noteworthy effort is the Earthship Village Ecologies (EVE) project, a multi-unit sustainable living complex within the Greater World community. Though construction was halted in 2012 due to permit restrictions, EVE now serves as a greenhouse, showcasing the potential of Earthship innovations to create eco-friendly communal spaces.
A Movement Rooted in Independence
The residents of the Greater World Earthship Community often refer to themselves as “voluntary anarchists.” While they reject traditional systems they view as corrupt, they embrace a cooperative and community-oriented ethos. Many of the homes were built as collaborative projects, often serving as hands-on learning experiences for interns.
The DIY nature of Earthships allows for flexibility in cost and construction time. Some homes take just two months to build if adequately funded, while others may span years as residents incorporate creative, budget-conscious solutions.
Why Earthships Matter
As climate concerns grow, Earthships offer a glimpse into a more sustainable future. These homes drastically reduce reliance on fossil fuels and can be a lifeline in regions facing environmental or economic challenges. As Michael Reynolds aptly puts it, humanity is like the Titanic after hitting the iceberg, and Earthships represent a viable lifeboat.
By integrating innovative design, sustainability, and independence, Earthships are more than homes—they’re a movement. Whether you’re looking to escape the grid, minimize your carbon footprint, or simply explore an alternative way of life, Earthships might just be the future of housing.