The way we build our homes is a mirror of our perceived relationship with nature. Our homes today are an embodiment of separation. The first step on a path of reconnection is to find nature and tune into the elements of sun, wind, and rain.

Concrete, which is energy and emissions intensive, took over the world around 200 years ago. Emily Majewski thinks it's time for its reign to end. Experimenting in her backyard in Mexico, she created a new, environmentally-friendly building material made from biochar called Cast Carbon.

From off-grid and sustainable agrihoods to urban ecovillages and income sharing communes, "intentional community" is quickly growing in popularity as a housing concept.