Attraction Guide: Earthships, Taos, United States

Earthships Guide

Earthships: Sustainable Living in the High Desert Guide

Step into the future of sustainable living at the Earthships, a unique community of off-grid homes located just outside of Taos, New Mexico. These radical structures, built from recycled materials like tires, bottles, and cans, are more than just houses; they're self-sufficient ecosystems designed to minimize environmental impact and maximize resourcefulness. A visit to the Earthships is an inspiring and educational experience that will challenge your perceptions of architecture and sustainability. The Earthship concept was pioneered by architect Michael Reynolds in the 1970s. Frustrated with conventional building practices, Reynolds sought to create homes that could provide shelter, water, electricity, and food without relying on traditional infrastructure. The Earthships are designed to passively heat and cool themselves using solar energy and thermal mass, collect rainwater for drinking and sanitation, and treat wastewater for reuse in indoor gardens. Tours of the Earthship Biotecture headquarters and various Earthship models are available, offering insights into the design principles and construction techniques. While the Earthships themselves don't have a specific culinary tradition, the focus on self-sufficiency often extends to growing food. Many Earthship residents cultivate their own fruits, vegetables, and herbs in indoor greenhouses, creating a hyper-local and sustainable food system. In Taos, you'll find restaurants that embrace farm-to-table dining, showcasing the region's fresh, seasonal ingredients. Look for dishes featuring local produce and traditional New Mexican flavors.