How to Buy an Earthship

Your Guide to buying the best Earthship

Overview

This buying guide is intended to provide readers with a comprehensive overview of what to look for when considering purchasing an Earthship. From the basics of budgeting and planning to more complex considerations like sustainability and energy efficiency, this guide will give readers the information they need to make an informed decision. In addition, this guide will provide helpful tips and advice on how to get the most out of an Earthship purchase.

Key features

  1. Purpose: Consider what you will be using the Earthship for - whether it’s for a home, office, creative space, or other. This will help determine the size, features, and amenities you need.
  2. Location: Where is the Earthship going to be located? Consider the climate, terrain, and other environmental factors.
  3. Size: Earthships come in a variety of sizes - determine how much space you need and what size Earthship will best suit your needs.
  4. Cost: Earthships vary in cost depending on size, features, and other amenities. Determine what your budget is and ensure you get the most value for your money.
  5. Durability: Ensure that the Earthship you are purchasing is built to last and is able to withstand the elements. Look for high-quality materials and construction.
  6. Green Features: Determine if you want a Earthship that is more energy efficient, uses renewable resources, or is simply more sustainable. Look for Earthships with green features such as solar power, rainwater collection, and composting toilets.
  7. Amenities: Consider what amenities you need such as a kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, living space, etc. Make sure the Earthship you choose has the amenities you are looking for.

See the most popular Earthship on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Cost Savings: Earthship homes have a low construction cost due to their use of salvaged and recycled materials. Additionally, Earthships are designed to be independent of traditional energy sources, reducing energy costs over their lifespan.
  • Sustainability: Earthships are designed with a closed-loop system that provides a highly sustainable way of living. Earthships use recycled materials, capture and filter rainwater, and generate electrical energy from solar and wind power.
  • Durability: Earthships are built with reinforced concrete and durable, recycled materials, making them extremely resistant to weather and other environmental conditions.
  • Low Maintenance: As Earthships are powered by renewable energy sources, they require very little maintenance. They are also designed to require minimal upkeep, making them a great choice for those looking for a low-maintenance home.
  • Comfort: Earthships provide a comfortable living environment with the use of thermal mass and passive solar heating. Additionally, they are designed to provide excellent air circulation and ventilation, leading to a healthy and comfortable home environment.

Cons

  • Cost - Building an Earthship can be quite expensive, depending on the size, materials used, and complexity of the design.
  • Location - Earthships require a specific environment and geography in order to function properly. This can limit the potential locations for these homes.
  • Maintenance - Earthships require a great deal of maintenance in order to remain in good condition and operate effectively.
  • Climate - While Earthships are designed to be self-sustaining, they may not be able to cope with extreme weather or temperatures.
  • Appearance - Some people may find the appearance of an Earthship to be unattractive or off-putting.
  • Resale Value - Due to the specific nature of Earthships, it may be difficult to find a buyer who is willing to purchase one.

Best alternatives

  1. BioLite HomeStove - A smokeless, wood-burning stove that uses thermal energy to boil water and charge devices.
  2. Sun Oven - A solar-powered oven that uses the sun’s heat to cook meals and boil water.
  3. BioLite CampStove 2 - A four-season, smokeless camp stove that can be used to cook meals and boil water.
  4. SolSource Solar Cooker - A solar-powered cooker that uses the sun’s heat to cook meals and boil water.
  5. LifeStraw Water Filter - A water filtration system that removes bacteria and chemicals from contaminated water.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Solar Panels - Used to generate electricity from the sun's rays to power the Earthship.
  • Rainwater Collection Tanks - Used to collect and store rainwater for use in the Earthship.
  • Solar Thermal Collectors - Used to capture and store solar energy for heating and cooling the Earthship.
  • Thermal Mass - Material used to absorb and store energy for heating and cooling the Earthship.
  • Earth Sheltering - Structural design that uses earth to insulate and protect the Earthship.
  • Passive Solar Design - Used to capture and use the sun's energy for heating and cooling the Earthship.
  • Greywater System - Used to recycle water by filtering and reusing it for non-potable purposes.
  • Ventilation System - Used to bring fresh air into the Earthship and expel stale air.

Common questions

  1. What is an Earthship? An Earthship is a self-sufficient, eco-friendly home structure that is typically constructed using recycled materials and powered by solar energy.
  2. What are the benefits of owning an Earthship? The benefits of owning an Earthship include being more self-sufficient, living in an environmentally friendly home, and having access to free energy through solar power. Additionally, Earthships are durable and require little maintenance.
  3. How much does an Earthship cost? The cost of an Earthship can vary greatly depending on the size and complexity of the structure. On average, the cost of an Earthship ranges from $50,000 to $100,000.
  4. What materials are used to build an Earthship? Earthships are typically constructed using recycled materials such as tires, aluminum cans, glass bottles, and plastic bottles. Additionally, Earthships are often insulated with straw bales or earth.
  5. What maintenance is required for an Earthship? Earthships require minimal maintenance due to their durable construction. However, some regular maintenance tasks include cleaning solar panels, checking the water systems, and checking the ventilation systems.
  6. What type of climate can an Earthship be built in? Earthships can be built in any climate, as they are designed to be used in both hot and cold climates.

Trivia

One interesting fact about Earthship is that it was founded by Michael Reynolds, a former architect with a passion for sustainability and green living. Reynolds' unique approach to sustainable architecture was inspired by a trip to South America in the 1970s, where he built a prototype Earthship using discarded tires and recycled materials. Today, Earthship continues to develop innovative products for sustainable living, such as solar-powered homes, rainwater harvesting systems, and composting toilets. The company has also been featured in numerous books, films, and documentaries. Sources: https://www.earthship.com/about-us, https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/how-earthship-biotecture-aims-produce-gorgeous-sustainable-architecture-180959918/.

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.