Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Garbage Warrior: A much needed spark


"What do beer cans, car tires and water bottles have in common?

Not much unless you're renegade architect Michael Reynolds, in which case they are tools of choice for producing thermal mass and energy-independent housing.

For 30 years New Mexico-based Reynolds and his green disciples have devoted their time to advancing the art of 'Earthship Biotecture' by building self-sufficient, off-the-grid communities where design and function converge in eco-harmony.

However, these experimental structures that defy state standards create conflict between Reynolds and the authorities, who are backed by big business. Frustrated by antiquated legislation, Reynolds lobbies for the right to create a sustainable living test site. While politicians hum and ha, Mother Nature strikes, leaving communities devastated by tsunamis and hurricanes.

Reynolds and his crew seize the opportunity to lend their pioneering skills to those who need it most. Shot over three years and in four countries, Garbage Warrior is a timely portrait of a determined visionary, a hero of the 21st century."1

A much needed spark

Garbage Warrior is a powerful and never more timely documentary.

The vast social infrastructure changes required to sustain the livelihood of the average human life, amidst the Age of Environmental Dismemberment, are thoughtfully presented in the microcosm of Reynold's story.

This film elicits hope in the most disenfranchised of minds that humans will do what they can and always have done to survive - ADAPT.

I mean if Michael Reynolds can "pick bananas in the living room from the sewage system," genuine progress must be at hand.2

Go see it.

Watch the trailer below and an interview with Reynolds on the Colbert Report here.



Sources:
1 http://www.garbagewarrior.com/about.html
2 http://www.comedycentral.com/colbertreport/videos

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