Before seeing the movie of Michael Reynolds’ fight to be able to build his Earthships in New Mexico I wasn’t to sure what to think of his ideas. “Garbage Warrior” wasn’t to high on my must see list either. So I figured I would wait for it to hit TV before watching it. It is on the Sundance Channel this month and I caught it during their THE GREEN programming on Tuesday nights.
Earthships have been written about before in our “Earthships -Another Recycling Frontier” post back in February. It was an interesting concept but it didn’t make me wish for one. I was actually put off by the idea, but I wasn’t going to write it off until I gave it some more research. So when I saw the movie was coming on I decided now was the time to finish up that research I had promised to do. I have to say that watching this documentary was definitely worth it.
It not only made me wonder should I think about one for myself and family but think about what it would actually mean if we constructed like Mr. Reynolds wants too. Use what you find around you not being used, namely trash. Then make it into something not only functional but beautiful too. No need for gas, electric or water to be hooked up to your home. Design, build and live in communities together. Living in a home that is not only designed to be in harmony with it’s environment but to provide for you anything you need to survive. He fought for his ideas and even lost his architect license over it. Because of him the people of New Mexico have the chance to build new concepts in home design, instead of hoping it will work on paper. They can put their ideas of how to make their “Earthships” more efficient, comfortable and use different materials to see what works and what doesn’t.
The journey he took to make that happen is a great inspration to those of us who have run up against that wall that doesn’t see that change is good, and neccessary. I still think the “Earthship” just wouldn’t work for me and my family but I can’t help but envy those whom it does work for. So take the time to watch his documentary or even pick up a book of his and see if his unique way of looking at things can’t inspire you too!
