Intro and question about rainwater collection systems

Hi everyone, so excited to have stunbled across this forum. I am a 51yo wife, homeschooling mom of six and part-time nurse. Seven years ago I went back to work and we have since seemed to sink deeper and deeper into the rat race. I am desperate to get debt and mortgage free and be at home with my children. The death two weeks ago of the daughter of a dear friend (and that daughter was MY two daughters' best frind) has galvanized me into action, even if it means dragging my husband kicking and screaming.
Let's just say he is not quite as motivated as I am.

Anyway, though I would LOVE to build an Earthship, we need something quick and inexpensive. So right now I am leaning towards a Simple Solar Homestead type framed house, just big enough to hold us, then add on an Earthship type living area. I am fascinated by the Earthship style rainwater collection system and wonder if their book on the subject is self explanatory, and can it be adapted to a stickbuilt house. Or do you recommend another book on the subject. We have water and power to the site I hope we get, and would most likely have to put in conventional septic, but I see no reason not to coollect rainwater for non-drinking use and recycle the graywater for toilet flushing.

BTW I am across the Continental Divide from Mr. Wheaton, in Great Falls MT. Windier and colder here. I was born in Missoula, though!

Hello and Welcome,

The Earthship books are easy to read and follow IMO.  I had my library buy a set before I went ahead and bought my own.

Have you seen Mike Oehler's website?  He uses a combo of stick built and earth bermed that might just soot your needs - Check out underground housing here http://www.undergroundhousing.com/

And do a search on zero or no energy housing - you'll find some great stuff on youtube to feed your dream.

Hi, thanks for the reply. I had the library get "Water From the Sky" for me today. It will cost me $6 but will help me decide whether to spend $35 in the long run.

I have had Mike Oeler's book for a long time but hubby would not go for wood touching earth. I also don't like the bigger windows facing uphill. Though where we would build is flat, so it is a moot point.