Watch Garbage Warrior

Garbage Warrior is a thought-provoking documentary from 2007, starring the acclaimed eco-architect Michael Reynolds. The film takes us on a journey to discover the creative and inspiring work done by Reynolds in developing sustainable housing solutions built from recycled waste materials. Through his groundbreaking designs, Reynolds aims to challenge the established norms of the building industry and pave the way for a more sustainable future.

The movie starts by introducing us to Reynolds and his team of apprentices, who call themselves the 'Garbage Warrior Brigade.' Together, they have been working for over 30 years to develop a new way of building using unconventional materials such as beer cans, tires, and mud. This approach is aimed at reducing waste, utilizing local resources, and reducing dependence on traditional building methods.

We follow Reynolds and his team through their various building projects, starting with their early work in New Mexico and culminating in a project to build an eco-community in the deserts of Iraq. Along the way, we learn about the various building techniques Reynolds has developed, including the use of 'earthships' - self-sustaining, off-grid homes built from recycled materials.

The film does an excellent job of presenting the science behind Reynolds' designs, and it's fascinating to see how he incorporates concepts such as passive solar heating, rainwater harvesting, and natural ventilation into his projects. The documentary also highlights the challenges Reynolds has faced in getting local authorities to accept his alternative building techniques, with many officials skeptical of his unconventional approach.

One of the strengths of Garbage Warrior is its focus on the personal side of the story, with Reynolds himself appearing in many of the scenes. We gain an insight into his motivations and the challenges he has faced over the years, including the occasional legal battles and the financial difficulties he has faced in funding his projects. At times, it's easy to forget that we're watching a documentary, and we become so engrossed in Reynolds' story that we feel like we're right there alongside him and his team.

The documentary also touches on some of the wider issues related to sustainability and the environment, and it's clear that Reynolds sees his work as part of a broader movement for change. Through his designs, Reynolds is challenging traditional ideas about what's possible in construction, and he's encouraging people to think more creatively about how we can build a more sustainable future.

Overall, Garbage Warrior is an inspiring and thought-provoking documentary that will challenge your assumptions about what's possible in building design. Through Reynolds' work, we see how it's possible to create beautiful, functional homes from the materials that others have discarded. It's a testament to the power of creative thinking and the potential we have for change if we're willing to challenge the status quo.

Garbage Warrior is a 2007 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.