Hey guys! Ever heard of an earthship? They're seriously cool, self-sustaining homes, and there's a whole community of them nestled in Taos, New Mexico. I'm going to walk you through what makes earthships so special, why Taos is the perfect spot for them, and what it's like to live in one. Buckle up, because it's a fascinating journey into sustainable living and eco-friendly architecture!

What Exactly is an Earthship? Unpacking the Magic

So, what is an earthship, anyway? Well, at its core, it's a type of passive solar house made from natural and recycled materials. Think tires, earth, and bottles – yep, you heard that right! Earthships are designed to be entirely off-grid homes, meaning they don't rely on external utilities like electricity, water, or sewage systems. This is the beauty of this building. It is a house built to take care of itself and its owners. It is a house that is made with the earth and for the earth. Now, that is what I call a masterpiece! Built by Michael Reynolds, the Earthship Biotecture company is the original creator. These homes are designed to be self-sufficient, meaning they provide their own electricity through solar and wind power, collect rainwater for drinking and other uses, and even have their own sewage treatment systems. It is made of sustainable materials which include reclaimed tires, aluminum cans, and glass bottles. The tire walls are then packed with earth, creating a thermal mass that helps to regulate the temperature inside the house. Earthships also incorporate passive solar design, which means they are designed to take advantage of the sun's energy to heat and cool the home. They typically have large south-facing windows to capture sunlight, and the thermal mass of the walls and floors helps to store and release heat. Earthships are more than just houses; they're complete ecosystems designed to work in harmony with the environment. They're a real statement about what's possible when we prioritize sustainable living.

The Building Blocks of an Earthship

Let's break down the key components that make earthships tick:

• Tire Walls: The foundation of an earthship's structure. Tires are packed with earth to create incredibly strong and thermally efficient walls. It's an ingenious way to upcycle used tires, preventing them from ending up in landfills.
• Rammed Earth: The earth packed into those tires, forming the walls. This rammed earth provides excellent insulation, keeping the earthship cool in the summer and warm in the winter. It's all about passive solar design.
• Bottles and Cans: Recycled bottles and cans are often used to fill in the spaces between tires, adding insulation and a unique aesthetic. These materials also create a fantastic light source by allowing the sun to shine through and illuminate the interior.
• Rainwater Harvesting: Earthships are designed to collect rainwater from the roof. This water is then filtered and used for drinking, showering, and other household needs.
• Solar and Wind Power: Renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines generate electricity to power the earthship's appliances and lights. This is what helps the home become an off-grid home.
• Greywater Systems: Wastewater from showers and sinks is treated and used to water the plants in the earthship's greenhouse and indoor planters.
• Greenhouses and Indoor Planters: Earthships often incorporate greenhouses and indoor planters to grow food. They also help to filter the air and create a natural and pleasant atmosphere. This is what it means to live in a house for the earth and with the earth.

Why Taos, New Mexico? The Perfect Earthship Paradise

So, why are so many earthships located in Taos, New Mexico? Well, Taos has several qualities that make it an ideal location for these eco-friendly homes.

Climate Considerations

Taos boasts a high desert climate with plenty of sunshine. This makes it a great spot for passive solar design, as earthships can effectively capture and utilize the sun's energy. The hot summers and cold winters also benefit from the thermal mass of the earthship's walls, keeping the inside temperature comfortable year-round. It is warm in the winters, and cool in the summer. So the temperature inside is always balanced!

Community and Culture

Taos is known for its artistic and alternative culture, with a strong focus on sustainability and environmental consciousness. This community vibe creates a welcoming atmosphere for earthship enthusiasts. It is not uncommon to see several earthships in one spot. People of all ages and all backgrounds come together to help build this community!

Building Codes and Regulations

While earthships may have faced regulatory hurdles in some areas, Taos has been relatively open to this unique form of construction. This has allowed the earthship movement to flourish, with a range of established earthship homes and workshops.

Access to Materials

Taos is in a state that has a lot of recycled tires. So the building can flourish and the owners can build easily.

Living the Earthship Life: What's It Really Like?

Okay, so we've covered the basics. But what's it actually like to live in an earthship? Well, let me give you a glimpse.

Self-Sufficiency and Independence

One of the biggest draws of earthship living is the freedom of being self-sufficient. You're not reliant on the grid for utilities, and you're in control of your own resources. This can be incredibly empowering and satisfying.

Connection to Nature

Earthships are designed to connect you with the natural world. The use of natural materials, the greenhouse, and the ability to grow your own food all foster a deep appreciation for the environment. You will be able to feel the nature around you!

Eco-Consciousness

Living in an earthship is a commitment to sustainable living. You're actively reducing your environmental footprint and embracing a lifestyle that values resourcefulness and conservation. You feel good about what you are doing. You are helping the earth, and the earth is helping you.

Unique Living Spaces

Earthships are not your typical cookie-cutter homes. They have unique designs, often incorporating natural light and creative use of space. You'll be living in a truly one-of-a-kind dwelling. The architects and the owners work together to create the house of your dreams!

Challenges and Considerations

Of course, there are also challenges to earthship living. These can include:

• Building Costs: While the materials are often reclaimed, the initial construction can be more expensive than traditional homes. This is not always the case, but it depends on the circumstances.
• Maintenance: Earthships require regular maintenance, just like any other home. However, the unique materials and systems may require specialized knowledge.
• Learning Curve: There's a learning curve to understanding and managing the various systems in an earthship. It is important to know how to maintain your home.
• Regulations: Building codes and regulations can sometimes present challenges, depending on the location.

Earthships: A Glimpse into the Future of Housing

Earthships are more than just homes; they're a statement about sustainable living. They are innovative, and self-sufficient houses that are built with natural and recycled materials. They are designed to work in harmony with the environment. Earthships offer a unique and inspiring vision for the future of housing, demonstrating that we can live comfortably and sustainably while minimizing our impact on the planet. I suggest you visit one of these homes and see for yourself the beauty of an Earthship house!