BEAM ME ABOARD SCOTTIE!

My daughter, Eden, wants to move. To an Earthship. No, she isn't planning on making reservations for interplanetary travel. She's a good ole Earth girl to be sure. Eden is currently trying to convince her dad to move into an environmentally friendly home called earth ships that offer a self-sustaining lifestyle.

In our travels to Taos, New Mexico, we stopped at an earth ship community and toured one of the homes. Earth ships are built from recyclable materials such as tires, glass bottles, tin cans, and good old-fashioned earth. My daughter was impressed with the teeny tiny footprint these homes leave on our planet. She loved the fact that most of them are constructed with double windows with a walkway in between to allow for growing your own vegetables and herbs. On the roof, water is collected for the home's various needs.

And as a modern girl, Eden doesn't have to give up any modern conveniences to live here. There are solar panels and wind turbines, so you can have your internet and electricity too!

These "off-the-grid-ready" homes were pioneered by Michael Reynolds. The concept began in the 1970's as a way to build homes that accomplished three things: Utilize materials native to the area, rely on natural energy sources, and be easy enough to build for the average joe.

I also think Eden was drawn to the "Cheesecake Factory" feel of the homes. With their curved walls and embellished entries, they certainly catch the eye and the imagination.

And building one of these homes is probably cheaper than paying for your child's wedding! The basic earth ship is $20,000. If you want to get fancy, they can cost up to as much as $70,000. So definitely an affordable housing alternative! Maybe she's on to something? Terry?

CAROLYN