'It was a pie-in-the-sky ridiculous idea': The US homes made from waste materials

In the high desert of New Mexico, there exists a remarkable type of home known as Earthships. These homes are not your typical houses; they are built using waste materials such as old tires, empty wine bottles, and mud. Earthships are designed to endure the extreme temperatures of the desert, which can be freezing in winter and scorching in summer. The town of Taos, where these innovative homes were first created nearly 40 years ago, is a place where you can find these unique structures that look like something out of a science fiction movie. Earthships are not only visually striking but also environmentally friendly. They are constructed with minimal use of harmful materials like concrete and plastics, which helps to preserve natural resources. The price of these extraordinary homes ranges from about $500,000 to $900,000, and they can also be rented for around $240 per night. The Earthship movement began in the 1970s, led by Michael Reynolds, an architect who moved to Taos in 1969. Initially, he came to enjoy riding dirt bikes, but he soon had a revelation about building homes that could benefit the environment. He recalls seeing a news report about deforestation and its negative effects on the planet. Inspired by this, he thought, 'Why not use beer cans instead of trees for construction? ' This idea was met with skepticism, and many considered it to be a ridiculous notion. However, Reynolds persevered and built his first Earthship in 1971, which garnered some attention for its quirky design. Over the years, his work has been showcased in various prestigious locations, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Despite the initial doubts about his vision, Reynolds continued to innovate, incorporating materials like bottles and tires into his designs. Today, Earthships are gaining acceptance as more people recognize their potential to address housing issues and combat climate change. The homes are equipped with greenhouses, allowing residents to grow their own food, which promotes self-sufficiency. Most Earthships are powered by solar energy, and some even utilize wind turbines for additional energy. Inside these homes, the temperature remains comfortable year-round, regardless of the harsh weather outside. Reynolds has lived in his Earthship for 35 years and finds it incredibly cozy. He describes the experience of living in one as feeling 'hugged' and 'snuggled. ' Deborah Binder, a construction manager for Earthships, shares similar sentiments. She moved to Taos and rents an Earthship while building her own. Binder teaches others about Earthship design and construction, attracting a diverse group of learners. Despite their environmental benefits, Earthships are still not widely accepted as a mainstream housing solution. Many people view them as unconventional, but those who have experienced living in one often express a desire to own one. Reynolds believes that the time is ripe for Earthships to become more common, especially as people seek affordable housing options and ways to reduce their utility bills. He envisions creating community housing that can help alleviate homelessness while promoting sustainable living. The concept of using waste materials for construction is not only practical but also artistic. Reynolds has infused creativity into his designs, using bottles as stained glass and emphasizing the beauty of these homes. He believes that homes should serve both people and the planet, creating a harmonious balance between comfort and environmental responsibility.