GARBAGE WARRIOR

Year: 2007
UK: ICA Films
Cast: Michael Reynolds
Director: Oliver Hodge
Country: UK
UK: 86 mins
UK Certificate: 15 contains strong language
UK Release Date: 23 May 2008 (Limited Release)
UK DVD Release Date: 12 January 2009


Synopsis

What do beer cans, car tyres 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. Through the process of trial and error, once making a house hot enough to melt plastic, Michael and his team hone the "earthship" technology, developing and tweaking new ideas and solutions.

However, these experimental structures that defy state standards create conflict between Reynolds and the authorities. Frustrated by legislation, Reynolds lobbies for the right to create a sustainable living test site. It is only in the wake of natural disasters like the Boxing Day Tsunami and Hurricane Rita in Mexico that Michael can show in practice how this new form of housing can be part of the solution to the challenges of the changing global environment.

Shot over three years and in four different countries, GARBAGE WARRIOR is a timely portrait of a determined visionary, a hero for the 21st century.

DVD EXTRAS

Deleted scenes and interviews