Just outside of Taos, New Mexico and the Rio Grande Gorge is the EARTHSHIP Biotecture epicenter. As I approach the community I see mounds of earth with various decorative and industrial projections protruding skyward. These passive solar structures are designed to maintain a comfortable interior temperature year round, use only solar power and self-contained sewage systems. Some look wonderfully whimsical, some sophisticated and elegant, some just down right industrial, with tire walls and recycled bottles used for colorful windows. All along the hillsides more Earthship houses can be seen, like cozy animals nesting.
The Earthship phenomenon has been around a long time, and now this sustainable, passive solar method is being re-birthed around the globe.
I go to the Visitors Center, where the friendly guides show me around the greenhouse garden, rooftop solar array, power and waste water systems, and then show a video illustrating various designs of Earthships all over the world. I leave feeling invigorated by the creative, intelligent and hopeful Earthship community. 
