Earthship design is a type of architecture that focuses on the use of natural and recycled materials in construction. This means that the materials used to build an earthship are sourced from the environment or are recycled from other sources, rather than being produced specifically for building purposes. The use of natural and recycled materials helps to reduce the energy and resources required for construction, as well as the waste generated during the building process. Examples of natural and recycled materials used in earthship design include earth, sand, and recycled tires. These materials can be used to create durable, energy-efficient, and comfortable buildings.

Earthships often incorporate features like rainwater catchment systems, greywater recycling systems, and cisterns for storing water. These systems allow the building to capture and reuse water from sources such as rain, shower and sink runoff, and even the humidity in the air. By capturing and recycling water, earthships are able to reduce their demand for municipal water and help conserve this valuable resource.

In addition to the environmental benefits, the water collection principal also helps to make earthships more self-sufficient and able to operate independently of traditional water systems. This can be particularly useful in areas where water is scarce or where access to traditional water sources is limited.

This principle involves the use of systems for generating electricity and heat using renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power.

Earthships often incorporate a variety of renewable energy technologies, including solar panels, wind turbines, and thermal mass systems. These systems allow the building to generate electricity and heat using natural sources of energy, rather than relying on fossil fuels. By generating their own power, earthships are able to reduce their carbon footprint and minimize their impact on the environment.

In addition to the environmental benefits, the power generation principal also helps to make earthships more self-sufficient and able to operate independently of traditional energy systems. This can be particularly useful in areas where access to electricity and heat is limited or unreliable.

This principle involves the use of natural systems and materials to regulate the temperature and humidity inside the building, without the need for mechanical heating and cooling systems.

Earthships are designed to take advantage of natural heating and cooling sources, such as the sun, wind, and the earth itself. For example, earthships often incorporate thermal mass materials, such as earth or concrete, which can absorb and store heat during the day and release it at night. They may also have large windows facing the sun to allow for passive solar heating, and strategically placed vents and windows to facilitate natural ventilation.

By using these natural systems, earthships are able to maintain a comfortable and stable indoor climate without the need for energy-intensive mechanical systems. This helps to reduce the building's energy use and carbon footprint, and can also contribute to a more pleasant and healthy living environment.

Earthships often incorporate a variety of food production systems, such as greenhouses, aquaponics systems, and edible gardens. These systems allow the building to produce a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and other plants for consumption. By growing their own food, earthships are able to reduce their reliance on external food sources, which can be environmentally and economically beneficial.

In addition to the environmental and economic benefits, the food production principal also helps to promote self-sufficiency and a sense of community among earthship occupants. Growing and producing food together can be a rewarding and fulfilling activity, and can help to create a sense of connection and collaboration among earthship residents.

In addition to using greywater recycling systems and composting toilets, earthships may also utilize traditional septic tank systems and evapotranspiration (ET) fields as part of their sewage containment systems.

A septic tank is a type of underground wastewater treatment system that uses bacteria to break down and treat sewage from a building. The treated sewage, or effluent, is then discharged into an ET field, which is a type of leach field that uses evaporation and plant transpiration to further treat the effluent before it is released into the environment.

By using a septic tank and ET field in combination with greywater recycling systems and composting toilets, earthships are able to manage and treat their waste water and sewage in a way that is safe and beneficial to the environment. This can help to conserve water and reduce the strain on local water resources, while also minimizing the impact on the environment.