"Earthship Biotecture": Renegade New Mexico Architect's Radical Approach to Sustainable Living

DemocracyNow.org - New Mexico residents are trying to a break free from Los Alamos' nuclear legacy by creating more environmentally sound ways of living. At the forefront of this struggle is renegade architect Michael Reynolds, creator of radically sustainable living options through a process called "Earthship Biotecture." Reynolds' solar homes are created from natural and recycled materials, including aluminum cans, plastic bottles and used tires. These off-the-grid homes minimize their reliance on public utilities and fossil fuels by harnessing their energy from the sun and wind turbines. In Taos, New Mexico, Reynolds gives us a tour of one of the sustainable-living homes he created.
To watch the entire weekday independent news hour, read the transcript, download the podcast, search our vast archive, or to find more information about Democracy Now! and Amy Goodman, visit www.democracynow.org.
FOLLOW DEMOCRACY NOW! ONLINE:
Facebook: / democracynow
Twitter: @democracynow
Subscribe on KZbin: / democracynow
Listen on SoundCloud: / democracynow
Daily Email News Digest: www.democracynow.org/subscribe
Google+: plus.google.com/+DemocracyNow
Please consider supporting independent media by making a donation to Democracy Now! today, visit www.democracynow.org/donate/YT

[@ramprashad29]

most amazing thing I have ever seen. no electric, heat or water bills and no mortgage best life ever

[@barefoot6745]

Yep. That's my dream home.

[@FarmerBenny]

This man is leading the paradigm shift of architecture and building and this type of innovative thinking must be encouraged! The time has come for our buildings to better support life! This man is doing great things and deserves our respect!

[@bettyharbison8005]

Thank you Michael and all daring courageous people like you, who think out of the box, for showing us the right way to coevolve with our beautiful living planet.

[@daemonicstar]

Why isn't this being adopted more. We could house so many people in real homes this way. Good luck Michael Reynolds! Genius. :)

[@SurfBeatle]

because 1% of the people control 90% of the wealth! ...and they need slaves to work for them!

[@YY4Me133]

Anything that doesn't benefit the wealthy is quashed. Like adding a couple of pennies to the price of a gallon of gasoline, that I heard about in the 1970's, so that all drivers would be insured. Although it would have benefited drivers, it never took off because private insurance companies wouldn't make money on it.

[@milk2percent416]

BECAUSE THE GOVERMENT WANTS THERE MONEY, I could build a hous for free but they don't want that '

[@angelarios4712]

Wise leaders should encourage citizens to be self sufficient.

[@tenpoundsterlingtn7756]

Most leaders in this world are too obessed with their fictious fiat and bond debt to do so. Even when all the problems can just be relieved with a simple debt jubilee. Humanity doesn't have to perish, the world doesn't need to end in catastrophe either. Greedy, vapid, morons are causing terrible things to happen across the globe.

[@MikeCaseyMusic72]

I have been a fan of Earthships since I first hear of them 30 years ago. It is what is I could afford to build, but that won't happen for me, because of a disability that has taken over me at such a young age. I can't build one because of my physical limitations, and will never be able to afford to buy one whiteout a means to earn the necessary funds. To anyone who can and wants one, get one as soon as you can, wherever you can! You'll never be sorry you did! Thanks Mr Reynolds for your courage and perseverance! The world owes you a great deal of gratitude!

[@gumby494]

This can be realty for all. Peace on Earth

[@mattvdh]

Everyone needs to watch the film 'Garbage Warrior'! It's so good and eye opening. It makes you realize how bad our housing system is and how inhumane our boxy and jail like our'modern' designs housing are. Housing designs should be full of vibrancy!

[@wilerichards9827]

Yep I like way Eustace Conway put`s it on his commercial. Ya sleep in a square room in a square bed to get in square car to square office to type on square keys. When life is circular. This cat has as very least has cool story.Look it up on wikipedia

[@annetteconroy6921]

It's an excellent and interesting watch

[@mimib6253]

Its wonderful to have options and this guy delivers the true dream

[@emmaraldeyes]

Too bad you lost your license! I believe in you! This is what I am learning to do here in Vancouver, Canada!!!!! Sustainable Living! Live off the land! Off Grid Living!

[@dickleijen7761]

I,M LIVING IN THE NETHERLANDS, THERE,S SIMPLY NOT ENOUGH SPACE IN MY COUNTRY, THE WHOLE IDEA APPEALS TOME A LOT. THIS IS HOW PEOPLE SHOULD LIVE, IN HARMONY WITH NATURE, MICHAEL YOU,RE A GENIUS. YOU DESERVE A NOBEL PRIZE MAY GOD BLESS YOU!

[@horshawnherrin8076]

I have a new hero

[@el1te1984]

I would love to live in one of these! We need building plans to be open source so we can all share the wealth and start creating affordable earthships!

[@gev_vol]

But how will we survive in those houses in winter (-40 degrees centigrade in my town).

[@sproutbliss]

Eger show if you watched the video you’d see the houses regulate their own heat and cooling using thermal mass, built in greenhouse, and below ground tubes for air cooling. There are earthships in remote, sub-zero areas. Google Kinney earthship for an example.

[@azurbleu4335]

GREAT MAN & AMAZING HOUSE . Sir , you're a great Architect

[@campbub]

this guy is simply brillant

[@Traderjay77]

I''d love to see the marriage of Earthships with hempcrete!! That would address a lot of the need for wood in these structures as well as cement

[@samuski36]

I will build one of these for myself, and get off the grid!

[@arlarl5122]

samuski36 they aren’t off grid; they are using that word wrong. It is illegal in Colorado and most places to not hook to the grid. You can have a self sufficient energy supply, but you still must hook to the grid. Any excess energy your system creates is fed into the grid and you get a check for the contribution.

[@52spike52]

I met Mike many years ago in Taos and stayed in one of his proto type "Burme" homes. He is a true "Warrior" when it comes to his dedication to sustainable housing.

[@ashlyseabolt]

He's a genius.

[@xadam2dudex]

true..if all the money and manpower were used to build up the world instead of the military-industrial complex the world would be a paradise

[@ernestinahellerkutz7776]

I am daughter of the subscriber. I like to tell you that I live in maury county. And the new town name spring hills Tn. They are building and building and building. No earthships of course. They say it is going to be the next Holywood. Though I see houses that look like a math box. eveytime it rains all is flooded, animals dead everywhere. Make one of your homes here. So everyone can see such a differences. All is well. Om mene peme hum.

[@TrishTruitt]

Love this! Makes so much sense. I love seeing episodes on solutions. A nice break from all that's wrong w/the world.

[@BarbellMethod]

How is this NOT our current reality?! This is the path to peace and harmony we‘ve been seeking!

[@user-ql4bo6bg2r]

Замечательные дома.Человек архитектор высокого уровня,, просто волшебник. Превращение мусора в шикарное жилье, об этом можно только мечтать. Очень красиво .

[@grangersmith]

First time I had seen these "Earth Ships" was at least 10 years ago. To me it's the ideal dream home. There R many in Arizona too. These homes are self sustaining, wonderful homes, wish I could have one!

[@nikemozack7269]

Hopefully, many people will take up on his ideas, for the future of our children.

[@rtdnan]

On site sewage treatment - I love it ! Not sure I'd want my treated sewage in my living room , but the idea of useable, self contained sewage is brilliant. This guy really thinks outside of the box.....I need to visit this Biotecture compound.

[@robertaxqijg2518]

I am with you brother. I have said similar. people don't go to war !!! no more armies for the wars for the gods

[@dalesnale]

We enjoyed our stay in the Studio Earthship at Biotechture headquarters.

[@jimneely861]

Well said Michael Reynolds... if more of us would "Get it" we all would be happier and life would be more meaningful. We all need to get back to what is important, nature, brotherhood, simplicity, love and helping one another.

[@intelligentdesign8994]

I can listen to this guy all day. And what is there more soul replenishing one can do in life than pave a path for future generations to see that they don't have to live under the imprisonment of corporations. My heart has gone all soft and mushy watching this.

[@rtdnan]

Everyone on the planet needs food and shelter. Reusing and recycling garbage is much better than paying rent ones whole life and never having enough left to eat healthy food. Most Americans are paying high rent and eating junk food. I did it for many years until i got sick, and then realized that it is better to live in a van and buy good food. Why should I support a landlord who drives a new car every year while I can't afford to buy tomatoes or fresh fruit. Ask yourself - is having an apartment more important than healthy FOOD?

[@wildchildclothes]

Your doing an amazing work. I can't wait to live this way. God Bless you !!

[@nervousdog1]

Hi This is one off your best shows!! Thanks to all :)

[@tiamaat4137]

This man is for Nobel prize , this is our future . Beautiful .

[@Healitnow]

I spent my life in housing construction and this is so much better than anything I was ever part of building. Great work. Great example.

[@nikokisting6189]

Impressive. Wish I could do that as well. Great work, Michael Reynolds and all the other Earth Warriors!

[@nancytibbetts71]

Love the colored bottle walls...beautiful!

[@y0nd3r]

This one never gets old. Love Reynolds.

[@scrabbleking1965]

Almost brought me to tears.... we ABSOLUTELY MUST encourage outside the box thinking in our youths.

[@Boleh888]

It's a noble effort Mike, and it just for the whole world... when you want to talk in TEDx? Owh... okay, now I have found you in TEDx. Tq.

[@theaudiopattern]

Madly in love! All the plants....

[@kimsoger8267]

What a wonderful idea. The more he creates he'll learn how to perfect the system. Keep up the good work.

[@barbaraolson6783]

Thank you,a beautiful way to live.

[@upsidedownshell]

You are one of the best I ever seen, incredible how you link all the systems, just beautiful, I'm so pro to your ideas, husband is not, Love your not so Ideas but proof of happening, there is so much waste and yes is still good to make a wall 3 feet thick, and this way you don't need ac, or heat. You are very smart and hope you can lecture the world that it is possible to free up from corporations , Utilities and grocers. well done, Keep going with this great ideas put to proof that they work.

[@thesmartgene]

"The rules and codes prevent us from evolving more rapidly." That is so true,, especially when it is the powerful who devise those rules in order to better themselves at the masses' expense.

[@AlphaChimpEnergy]

Democracy still exists, but I want the Republic back..

[@bgndeath]

Yeah this dude is definately heading in the right direction. Good on ya brother. He makes some excellent points. Yes he is an Idealist, he also has the tenacity to carry out what he believes inspite of what societal norms dictate to be " Approved " Building practices. I spent 25 years in construction, the 3 bedroom house with the white picket fence in suburbia is an illusion that most folks buy into. along with the soul mate for life thing. If you have ever been Homeless, Hungry & Penniless this would be like walking into heaven. Satisfaction and contentment is not something most human beings ever achieve in life. This dude is making that a lot closer to reality for the human race.

[@peteypickles3262]

I love his vision - this guy is way ahead of his time.

[@rosyheart]

Ahhh, my Friends...Love Ya Mike ; sure missing Taos right now...ya don't know how sweet it is to get off the grid till ya do it...

[@rickthaluddite]

This IS the future. The sooner we get on board, the better for us all.

[@sdmsdm7926]

Hey!...I really like this guy & his ideas, very interesting video, food for thought!

[@souflotv]

he is not a architect he is a GENIUS

[@d.drybread8434]

BRILLIANT! HE SHOULD RECEIVE A NOBEL PRIZE!

[@yesterday4893]

Those glass bottles are so beautiful and fun, and represent what life is suppose to be. That alone inspires this entire cause

[@AerisVera7]

Applause. This is video represents one of the key goals I have been trying to accomplish my entire life.

[@mimib7970]

Wonderful, thank you Mike!

[@Tanfeliz]

Solar panels are getting a lot cheaper and more diversified -- easier to get off grid for power. Also, composting toilets are very simple and effective. I do a composting toilet with basically an outhouse with two seats. One for liquid, one for solid. The liquids get diluted with rainwater and dumped on trees and flowering bushes. The solids get layered with grass clippings and pine needles, and put into a compost heap. Separating them means no latrine smell. Composts quickly.

[@desertfoxx7485]

I love this idea! I am tired of the artificial lifestyle all of us humans are given being dependent on local utility grids and grocery stores! Doing everything yourself promotes a healthier atmosphere for the planet and for the health & sanity of people! After experimenting with Permaculture and Fish Farming, I work all day, forage off what I created and I am happier and much more relaxed. All the anxiety of the modern workforce, cubicles, angry competitive people, traffic etc,. is just not natural! The way we live now is very artificial and makes us dependent and if that system fails there will be danger and complete chaos! If people get back in tune with nature and survival the natural way, they can still have prestige if they work to set things up that way, you get out of it what you put in using creativity! Living natural is really nice if it's done with careful thought and planning. There may be much work in the beginning, but once established you will work a lot to sustain it, but it's very satisfying and enjoyable work in which you reap rewards for all the energy you put in! I think there would be a lot less insanity, mental and physical health issues, if more people strived to eventually get out of the artificial fishbowl most us now live in! This is a very good idea!!

[@jamesoliver5688]

The Man has made his point ! NEXT !

[@HeatherRoseMusician]

I'm really curious if these structures would hold up in an extreme rain event (aka flood). Anybody have any resources on this?

[@carolynwatson6042]

This Man is A Genius And A Great GreatMan...

[@YouTodayKing]

This is sooo amazing. I wish there was a way to spread this video!!

[@Coopercaroline2000]

Looooove this guy and looooooooove Earthships!! I will build my own soon!!

[@debb8321]

One of the coolest things I've ever seen!

[@rodsboots]

Bless you! I can't wait to build my own earthship! It just makes damn good sense!

[@HardKnox333]

This is the most awesome thing I've ever seen. I see hope in this.

[@doggiesarus]

Nice, I love those walls made with wine bottles.

[@mrmusiclover4178]

Excellent video!

[@ppsfan]

Thank you so much! Very interesting and such a great idea!

[@anotherblonde]

War, what is it good for?....... Business, and that's why it won't stop, or be allowed to stop.

[@waynebollman]

Yep, it's illegal to NOT pollute the ground and water. No wonder the planet is getting ready to kick us off of it. Thank god for this man. But we need millions of him to be moving in this direction ASAP.

[@wootwootbreh]

Last time I checked nuclear energy had only a handful of problems over the years. I'd rather than NM have 10,000 acres for nuclear testing with less drilling for fossil or natural gas. The guy is great at building from trash--incredibly admirable.

[@gooseknack]

Unless I'm mistaken, nuclear energy originates with the mining of uranium. Which means the destruction of more natural habitats. Then what does one do with the spent fuel, the waste?? Is nuclear energy sustainable? Is it better than oil, gas and coal mining? Michael Reynolds has got the right idea. It's society that needs to change and adapt (to a more sustainable way of living), not the energy source!

[@felixlancelot]

Great work!

[@sucubo21]

Me habría encantado aprender a hacer este tipo de casas.

[@Bobby9W2]

Holy shit!! I want this!

[@melanieortiz712]

Multi9W2 Go to earthship.com they have to academy where you can learn or visit. Or you can buy blueprints for an earthship. On average, 1br earthship (blueprints) runs $8,000. Total cost to build should be about $20,000

[@freedomfighter4681]

I love this guy!!! Keep up the good work

[@enlightenfawn]

I did. At least Democracy Now! was able to get in Most of the Awesome Interview :-)

[@2ndgenboost]

so if I wanted to build a earthship state side and already owned prime land to do so how would I go about doing so from a consumer aspect?

[@JuanHernandez-kl8sc]

we need this man to show us the way, in architecture and DIY revolution!

[@rogeliogonzalez5293]

My HERO too. I have been looking into do this for 10 years n ot only for my home but for schools in Central America.

[@MexiEmpleadoCorrupto]

how many tons of sand? are sand cheaper to build any wall than building with bricks? the tires space are wider than bricks walls? Thanks

[@danjwolfe64]

I agree 100%, the architectural comunity has focused to much on statues and the need to portray an image of them selves since the early 1900's. This is the change we need and the younger generation needs to be more informed on these kinds of concepts as apposed to the ones we've been following for the past century. When the time comes for me to build my own house, this is the only way I see fit to properly do so.

[@chrisniner8772]

Brilliant man.

[@charlesmartin7347]

He's a brilliant genius. I love him.

[@bealtainecottage]

Amazing...homes of the future for sure!

[@VasilyKiryanov]

Growbeds are usually filtering graywater, and "black" water goes elsewhere (septic tank or other options).

[@bellamorte76]

As a Granddaughter of one of the Manhattan Project Scientists my first thought was this is more inline with what my Grandfather and many others on the project truly wanted. Earth free of greed. poverty, pollution, and war. War is driven by greed, poverty, pollution, and a lack of compassion. He wanted project Orion for space travel more than he wanted anything to do with Nuclear energy for the painful results it has been used for. He died in pure mind/ spirit pain like so many of his colleagues. I live in New Mexico and have so many questions and conflicts over the earth ships. Could I do it? I kill aloe by looking at it. Sure where there is a will there is a way but the bridge of the gap between buying my chicken pre killed and prepared vs doing it myself seems a barrier to bridge. I am looking for the bridges.

[@maheena1903]

Could someone please tell where could I find case studies of earthships?

[@Vivvy777]

Loving this.

[@IanikeP]

AMAZING ♥Sharing=Caring for the PLANET!!!

[@housecat9338]

This is great, i love this so much!

[@desmondodom3932]

See, we need more thinkers like him

[@lamond57]

This have been done in the west for many years ago and why did they stop?

[@vanya1963]

we should all listen to this wonderful bright man x :)

[@estherodanga4238]

So so proud of you.

[@davidscott3632]

we need more people like this guy most likely he lost his licence because his idea threatens the people in power.

[@michaellouisaustin4276]

This guy is awesome!!!

[@loreleibrown8422]

I love this homes.... Our family is going to do this too

[@holytrashify]

This is awesome!