Oh yes, they address the potential problems with using
recycled tires as building materials...
It's difficult detailing the systems of an earthship concisely because the designs have changed (improved) over the last 30 years, and because earthship design varies from region to region, climate to climate, and budget to budget.
In general they focus FIRST on the owner's desire to conserve. Water, electricity, natural gas, etc. must be used minimally or these systems would require more contingency plans. For example, water is supplied by snowmelt and rainwater falling upon the Earthship roof. The water is filtered for sinks/showers and stored in a cistern. Water can be purified further for drinking. The greywater from the sinks/showers goes through the interior plant cells and into the toilets. The blackwater goes to a septic system outside. The cistern is designed to hold enough water at all times, given conservative use. (You run out of water...you've got to truck it in from Taos.)
Heating/cooling. The thermal attributes of the building materials used creates a more stable temperature regime in the home. Less heating/cooling needed in the first place. The natural circulation system (vent tubes bring in cool air through soil berm and tire wall, warm air escapes through ceiling-mounted vents) brings in cooler air and reduces the need for cooling. During the winter, the lower angle of the sun brings more light directly into the earthship, helping heat the house instantly while allowing heat to be stored in the thick floor and walls. The heat is reradiated throughout the night. There is less need for heat. Additional heat CAN be provided by natural gas/propane heating, but the system doesn't solely rely on it. (The propane tank is used for the oven/stove and cooking in the home I stayed in.) Of course, the natural gas can also be used to assist in generating hot water when the solar hot water heaters aren't enough. No 30 minute showers!
Electricity. Without the heating/cooling load showing up on the utility bill, and with natural lighting negating unnecessary light use, electricity will primarily be needed for the refrigerator, nighttime lighting, TV, laptop, some kitchen appliances. At that, the fridge is DC and energy efficient, the lights are CFLs, the TV is LED, and all other appliances used should be efficient. With a small electrical load, fewer solar panels and mini wind turbines are needed. If you MUST have a microwave, plasma screen, 100 watt light bulbs on during the day when your not in the room, you'll have to pay for it with a larger solar array or by being tethered to the grid.
Xist, I doubt that cleared it up. You might search for some short videos on earthship design or look up the documentary Garbage Warriors.