January 3, 2011

Solar Powered Earthship Built in Haiti

We first saw the efficient Earthship on 'Nightline'. We were quite impressed with architect Michael Reynolds' vision and ability to make passive housing out of old tires, trashed appliances and plastic bottles. Although it takes an up front investment to make one for yourself, the result is a home that only costs $100.00 a year to run, and that's just for the propane for the stove.

The whole idea, says Reynolds, is to create a machine. Steel, cement, solar panels, recycled materials and a lot of sweat and tears makes one of these Earthships. But what really got to us is what he accomplished in 4 days in Haiti, where it seems that the people have been forgotten and many funds have gotten lost in a bureaucratic nightmare.

After collecting $7,000 and adding $3,000 of his own, he and his team built a small shelter there with Haitians doing most of the work. He plans to go back and build more Earthships this year, so if you have felt the need to do something for Haiti, volunteer, donate and pass the word.

Via Earthship