The Vanderwagen Home School of New Mexico took on the daunting task of building an energy-efficient "Earthship". This is the name given to a structure built of tires into the Earth. The house was constructed using only recycled and/or natural materials. The students first had to conduct research on the properties of several different building materials to determine those most energy efficient.

The students then worked to develop an actual blueprint for their "Earthship". The Construction Industries Division of Santa Fe approved the structural design. The building was then constructed in a number of stages using only aluminum cans, cardboard boxes, recycled glass, packed earth, and 1,200 used tires!

After completion, students have continued to impact the community by sponsoring open house events and even giving educational tours to fellow students and other interested citizens. The "Earthship" clearly demonstrates how to recycle, how to build a cost effective house, how to use passive solar energy, and how to use the indoor environment to grow plants during the winter season.

The National Geographic Society stated, "Kudos to the students at Vanderwagen Home School in Vanderwagen, New Mexico for having their project, "Environmental Earthship and Xeriscape" recognized as a winner in the SeaWorld/Busch Gardens Environmental Excellence Awards. One might think that taking on the designing and then building of an energy efficient house using recycled and/or natural materials would be too much for students of any age. But not so for the students of Arden DenBleyker. Working with their community, they have made their dream come true and made a statement on the importance of recycling, reducing, and reusing wherever and whenever possible. This conservation message supports the Society's ongoing efforts to encourage better stewardship of the planet. We join SeaWorld and Busch Gardens in giving the students of Vanderwagen Home School a hearty congratulations."