Can Humans Survive in a Completely Self-Sufficient Closed Environment? #COM641

In a recent Online article posted by Ryan Bradley, he writes about the possibility of humans living in a completely self-sufficient (closed) environment- and asks the question, is this possible?

NASA has been trying to create such an living environment since the early 1970's. It would inlcude a home which needs no power other than from the sun and water would then get broken down and reused- a very difficult process.

I understand the environmental friendly aspect of this new technology, but I do not understand the efficiency of it. It seems that we are currently more interested in making all things in our life work quicker with the "we want it now" mentality. So, how would a closed-environment living option appeal to the overall general public?