[pilferage]

After poking around a bit I've come across a definitive game plan with regards to my habitation and transportation in the future.
In terms of habitation, the basic principles used in earthship design http://www.earthship.com seem to be simple and cost effective, with some systems like the solar-electric system having the potential of reduced costs in the future. Couple this with something like an aircar http://www.theaircar.com/, or a diesel with a svo system, and some other *possible improvements and you've got an living environment that can be very close to self-sufficient with regards to daily living.
The entire system is fundamentally sound, and components will most likely have relatively long lifetimes (around decades perhaps).
The problem is, will business and government adopt the use of these systems and techniques before it's too late?

*I'm thinking that breeding algae for hydrogen can replace propane for on demand heating in a nearly closed system.

[0mar]

ah idealism, how I wished I still have it

[pilferage]

I'm young, what can I say.
But you gotta agree, this setup on some fertile land could result in complete self sufficiency (with the exception of mechanical failures).

Of course the government and big business might not like it if you only needed to work 1/5 or 1/10 of what you used to (or at all) just to support yourself. It seems that dependence is preferable to independence because dependence facilitates control!

Of course this looks like it might backfire in a big way pretty soon...

[Jack]

From the earthship website:

on .6 acre, 2 bedroom, 1200 sq. ft.
$320k - financing available! New Mexico
located in the Greater World Earthship Community
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A mere $320,000? Heck, I believe I'll pick up several as gifts!

[pilferage]

Sure, pick the most expensive one!

You can ignore the,
on 1.53 acre, 2,600 sq. ft.
Listing Price: $139,000
located in Guffey, Colorado, USA
right?

Besides, "The weatherproof shell with working power, water and sewage can be built for $50,000*.
* The weatherproof shell with working power, water and sewage can be built for $50,000, this is a rough estimate figure. May change due to climate, location and other unforeseeable factors."
I'm guessing it gets cheaper if you're resourceful and build it yourself. Besides, any new houses I've seen are at least around 120k.

There's an article on a couple who are real thrify DIY'ers, I'm thinking they can put together a nice sized home 1,500 sqrft home for under 60k.

[mindfarkk]

i'm delighted your personal plan is pulling together pilferage.

so far as government et al goes... if PO is a fact, and i believe it is, it's already too late. i believe it is more productive to focus on, participate in, and support local communities and collectives if you are socially minded.

[holmes]

My friend built an earthship in colorado with an investment of 30,000$. It has solar, wind, gray water and catch basment system, In door green house, recycling of waste into planters and methane gas tank for stove. It can be tailored to your likes. I am beginning the planning of a split 2 bathroom two bedroom duplex. I will be able to live 100% off grid. The invvestemnt will be 100,000 thousand. with labor done by myself and friends. My friend built his in 2000 and it has payed for itself already. He is poor but not really at all now. My friends who have build them are set and their children are as well. Thermal mass is the key to evolution.
Excellent choice. Get them old tires rolling. Consider making a business where you build them. Youll be in demand soon enough. Off grid and FREE. Build a chicken coup and youll be on your way. Compared to throwing down 400,000 on a shoddy paper mache POS american home that is a pig gluton, the investement is small. Your living is a business. I say cut the imbilical cord from the Oligarchs. Fuck the Oligarchs. they are permeated into every aspect of our life. Fuc em. They will fuc you asap.

You are a smart man.

[holmes]

You must not be hasty in building them. Plan. You must build them exactly tailored to your geogrphical location. Their was a problem with them in the greenhouse and moisture. But my friend has solved the problem and when i visit his ship in May I will post the fix.

[pilferage]

Thanks holmes and mindfarkk, I agree completely, these homes depend on orientation to provide the best living environment. I'm hoping to start construction once I get into graduate school about two years from now. By then I should have a concrete plan and significant resources...