By incorporating the best use of natural and recycled materials, traditional practices, and the latest in human ingenuity, buildings can be built that serve human needs more effectively than many types of conventional construction.  Sustainable building pioneer Earthship Biotecture  (earthshipglobal.com)  identifies the services that can be provided by buildings as 1) Thermally comfortable shelter 2) Water harvesting 3) Energy production 4) Waste cycling 5) Food production.  Natural and recycled materials are relatively inexpensive.  If people all over the world can implement sustainable building techniques, the potential benefits for humanity and the environment are enormous.