I took this picture while staying in an Earthship in Taos, NM.

Earthships are constructed using recyclables such as glass bottles, soda cans, and other materials. These are combined with concrete to construct the exterior walls and infrastructure. The air pockets within the bottles and cans create natural insulation, no matter what temperature it is outside(Cool in Summer, Warm in Winter) They have solar panels and are designed to use the environment to produce suitable living conditions.

The one we stayed in literally had a forest growing inside. There was a big tree right next to the couch in the living room. There was also, in this particular Earthship, a greenhouse that housed birds and other wildlife, and obviously, fruit trees and vegetables growing. I made omelets using eggs from the chickens living right outside the greenhouse, and, with several different vegetables I picked fresh from the greenhouse. WOW!

A unique feature of Earthships is how they recycle water. The water used in the shower and sinks goes into a filtration system that flows into the greenhouse. Every time you wash your hands you are feeding/water the plants!

This is enough for right now... There are multitudinous benefits for constructing houses in this way. Click on the picture or the word "Earthships" to go to their website.

Look for my Earthship post coming soon!