Image source: Dominic Alves

Hoping to reduce the city's carbon footprint (and eyesores) is Earthship Philadelphia, a new nonprofit inspired by the documentary "Garbage Warrior." The film shows the life of Michael Reynolds, the man who invented the Earthship 40 years ago.

For those of you who think this is a Star Trek joke that has gone way over your head, Earthships are experimental sustainable green buildings which include the following features: photovoltaic solar cells, collection of rainwater from the roof, a windmill, use of the thermal storage property of the ground (by building almost "hobbit like" into a hillside), and reuse of rubber tiles and other found objects as building materials.

Earthship is eagerly awaiting a three-day event in February to join likeminded people to discuss plans, including where they can begin to build to transform the city (vacant lots are a prime locale).

If you're curious about how you could help build an Earthship locally, consider joining Earthship Philadelphia in attending a three-day event at the Friends Meeting House at 4th and Arch Streets on April 17th.