Yet, the natural building movement leaves many building associated issues beyond ecology unaddressed,

neglecting it´s potential to initiate social change.

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• green housing for all.

      Earth is affordable. Earthen houses are not. Mostly reserved for                                the wealthier, they became a luxury good in western societies. A simple solution       were regular use of earth in all construction projects, as well as,                                 higher funding for natural buildings.

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• participatory planning

       Natural building does already consider future residents well being in regards of        health during the planning process. This resident oriented approach may also          be applied by urban planning to involve people fully in all stages of                            planning processes.

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• self-empowerment

      Earth building is DIY friendly. Workshops however are usually rare and                     expensive. Accessible knowledge and skill-share could help more people to             shape their own living environments.

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• creative space appropriation

      Earth is infinitely malleable and invites playfullness. Houses could be                         unique, handsculpted miracles. Rigid building norms, economic                                 factors and the prevailing uniform aesthetic of architecture impede this.

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• labor rights

      While building with earth may be healthier due to lower toxine exposure,                   construction workers are often vulnerable to exploitation, stress,                                 physical damage and lack of social security. Fair labor in construction!

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• sexism in work environments

      The relatively high proportion of female* professionals among earth builders

      will not alone change the antiquated, rough manners in male dominated                   construction industry without a clear empasis on gender deconstruction.

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• anti-discriminatory

      Green building is a white matter. Both workers and customers of earthen                   houses and interiors in the West are rarely members of BiPoC communities.  

      Solutions to this are yet to be developed.