By Kim Glovas

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Earthship Philadelphia has been working to secure a lot in the city to build an education center that is off the grid. It provides its own solar heat, electricity and water. The project has been underway since last summer and is building some traction.

Earthship Philly is spearheaded by Rashida Ali-Campbell. She says while a search is still underway for property to build the school, one earthship greenhouse has been completed at the Emerald Street Urban Farm in Kensington and another is under construction at the Village of the Arts in North Philadelphia.

(credit: Kim Glovas)

“The earthship greenhouses are generally 12-feet in diameter, and they can house anything that a normal greenhouse can handle,” Ali-Campbell says. “The only difference is the water catchment system and the walls are made from tires and bottles and recycled materials.”

Earthship Philly, in conjunction with the Philadelphia Ethical Society, is hosting an event May 24th to spread the word about sustainable housing. The film ‘Garbage Warrior’ will be screened, followed by a discussion about earthship construction.