Earth Homes

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Earth homes, earthen homes, earth berms or earth sheltered homes, no two seem to look alike. However, all are well insulated and economical in the long run. In fact, many earth home dwellers in the colder U.S. states report not turning their electric heat on until mid-December. Before you begin digging or purchase one, you need to consider most lenders are not willing to mortgage an earth home, but there have been exceptions. Some institutions are willing to finance in-house.

Lättenstrasse estate in Dietikon by Peter Vetsch

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The earth forms three sides of most earth homes, and contrary to popular belief, they are often well-lit. But they do obviously require electric lights at all times for the rooms near the back of the dwellings with the exception of those which utilize skylights and solar tubes. A dehumidifier is often used year round to combat moisture, which often accumulates quickly when the windows are opened. Wood burning stoves work well in earth homes, often requiring less than a cord of wood per fall/winter season due to their superior insulation.

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Contrary to popular belief, earth homes are not necessarily dark and dreary inside. The front of the house is exposed and usually faces south, which allows sunlight to heat the interior. Floor plans are usually arranged so bedrooms and common areas share the light and heat from the southern exposure. Northern portions of the house benefit from strategically placed skylights, which also help with ventilation. 

Thomas E. Keyes 1950 residence in Rochester MN. designed by Frank Lloyd Wright

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Advantages include, but are not limited to: optimal insulation resulting in prime energy and CO2 savings, being virtually storm proof, fire protection, efficient lighting, provide excellent protection against blasts and nuclear fallout and they're environmentally friendly, especially in regards to rooftop landscaping and drainage.

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Some of the disadvantages are the difficulty in financing mentioned earlier. High humidity can lead to mold, mildew and radon accumulation. Local building codes or zoning may provide a challenge. Lastly, when building, decor plans must be kept in mind to work with rounded walls and unique dimensions. Obviously, there are far more advantages, and the vast majority of earth home owners are very happy with their decision to think outside the box.

Organic vs. Non-organic

Organic strawberries from Vollmer Farm, Bunn, NC

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Is organic produce really important? According to Victoria Boutenko it is, but not for the reasons one might think. Boutenko, a pioneer in the raw food movement, says, "The problem is not that non-organic has pesticides, but rather that it doesn't have any nutrition." She goes on to say that through the plants we eat, we receive essential nutrients that were created by microorganisms in the soil. When pesticides are used, the microorganisms die and the once rich soil turns to dust. 

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Boutenko also cites a table from Dr. Gary Far's Comparing Organic Versus Commercially Grown Food, in which an example of organic lettuce which contains 12mg of sodium while commercial lettuce has none. The organic lettuce also contains 176.5 mg of potassium, but commercial only has 53mg. 169mcg of manganese is found in the organic lettuce, but only 1mcg in the commercial lettuce. Organic spinach is is loaded with iron, 1584 mg. Commercial spinach, only 89mg. Even more shocking, organic tomatoes contain 1938mg of iron while commercial has just 1 mg. That's nearly 2000 times less iron. Boutenko reminds us that our goal is nutrition and organic doesn't cost 2000 times more, and that we should do whatever can to find organic. She also admits it took her years to understand the importance of organic foods, and now she only eats organic.

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Image: Bethel Organic Foods, India

Boutenko also reminds us it's up to us to create the demand for more organic food. Ashland, Oregon where she lives, is home to the first McDonald's in the country to close its doors due to lack of business, followed by Dairy Queen and Pizza Hut. In other words, 'If you build it, they will come,' is a two-way street. We must build the demand for nutrient-dense organic foods.

Organic blueberries from Moon Hill Farm

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Organic and "natural" are not the same thing. Only foods that are grown and processed according to USDA organic standards are allowed to be labeled organic. No chemical fertilizers, pesticides, antibiotics, food additives, genetically modified organisms, irradiation or sewage sludge are allowed. Crops must be rotated and there is a three-year transitional period before crops can be certified organic from a formerly conventional farm. Mulch is often used to manage weeds. Requirements vary from country to country.

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This chart gives you a better picture of the nutritional gap mentioned earlier, but for a more detailed chart and analysis I recommend Victoria Boutenko's Green for Life.

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This final chart, however, is what it usually comes down to for most of us - cost. Perhaps we should all follow New York Time's Best Selling author, wellness expert and cancer survivor, Kris Carr's decision to view this extra cost as true health insurance: www.kriscarr.com.