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Infinite Solutions Institute hosts 2½-day design/build course with visionary sustainability architect and star of the documentary film “Garbage Warrior” Michael Reynolds
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA On April 12-14, 2013, just prior to Earth Day celebrations, Infinite Solutions Institute will host a weekend training with legendary sustainability pioneer, documentary film star and creator of Earthship Biotecture, Michael Reynolds.
Imagine a home that: heats and cools itself; provides its own food and water; generates its own power; handles its own sanitation; works in harmony with the intelligence of the earth and is made predominantly from recycled materials. This home is called an Earthship, and its technology —which goes beyond merely “green” to actually generative — has been refined through 40 years' hands-on experience worldwide.
A brief look at the building, operation and cost of Earthships:
Construction: Used tires are packed with dirt and stacked on steel reinforcing rods to form exteriors. Aluminum cans are tucked between the tires and the entire walls are coated with mixed mud and straw. Interior walls are made of cement and glass bottles.
Water: Water is collected from rainfall on the roof, stored in 3,000-gallon cisterns and passed through filters before coming out to sinks and showers. The water then drains through an interior garden, is pumped back through toilets and then flushes (as sewage) into outdoor gardens that leach out waste.
Electricity: Power is generated by rooftop solar panels and windmills. Electricity is captured in batteries that must have water added to them about once a month. An Earthship office can run six computers, fax machines, copiers and more with solar- and wind-generated power. Homeowners say cloudy days mean less power, and they time their vacuuming accordingly.