Editing Living Machine (section)

==Examples==
Examples of Living Machines are mechanical [[composter]]s for industrial kitchens, [[effective microorganisms]] as fertilizer for agricultural purposes, and Integrated Biotectural systems in landscaping and architecture like [[Earthships]] or the [[IBTS Greenhouse]].

Components like [[tomato plant]]s (for more [[water purification]]) and fish (for food) have been part of the living, [[ecosystem]]-like designs. The theory does not limit the size of the system, or the amount of species. One design optimum is a natural ecosystem which is designed for a special purpose like a [[Sewage treatment|sewage treating]] wetland in a suitable ecosystem for the locality. Another optimum is an economically viable system returning profit for the investor. The practice of [[permaculture]] is one example for a compromise between the two optimum design points.

The scale of Living Machine systems ranges from the individual building to community-scale [[public works]]. Some of the earliest Living Machines were used to treat domestic [[wastewater]] in small, [[ecovillages|ecologically-conscious villages]], such as [[Findhorn Foundation|Findhorn Community]] in [[Scotland]].<ref>[http://www.ecovillagefindhorn.com/biological/index.php Ecovillage Findhorn: Biological Waste Water Treatment<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070210005606/http://www.ecovillagefindhorn.com/biological/index.php |date=2007-02-10 }}</ref> The latest-generation Tidal Flow Wetland Living Machines are being used in major urban office buildings, military bases, housing developments, resorts and institutional campuses.<ref>McNair, Dave. [http://www.readthehook.com/83481/cover-tao-poo-can-worrells-green-sewage-system-save-water-and-planet "The Tao of Poo: Can Worrell's Green Sewage System Save Water and Planet?"] ''The Hook''. June 11, 2009. Retrieved 2011-9-24.</ref>