Urban Homesteaders
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Written by: Rebecca Odenkirk
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Word Count: 438 |
Date: Thu, 25 Feb 2010 |
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Urban homesteaders all share an independent, I can do it attitude. They seek to have a smaller environmental footprint and to have a low impact on the earth.
Urban homesteaders are people who use their urban yards and homes to create micro farms. Using sustainable landscaping, they grow as much of their own food, as their space allows. Sustainable landscaping means growing edible, native, and locally produced plants. Fruits and vegetables are grown. Poultry is raised for eggs and meat, and the manure is used as fertilizer. Pygmy goats and dwarf rabbits are raised for meat, milk and manure. Some restrictions may apply, according to the city regulations.
After growing all that food, homesteaders must preserve it. Canning, freezing, dehydrating, and fermenting are common preservation processes. Excess produce may go to food co-ops and farmers markets.
Usually fruits, vegetables, and poultry are grown organically. This means that no chemical pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, growth hormones, or antibiotics are used. Urban homesteaders who grow organic gardens will use natural solutions for fertilizers and pest control. Rain water is collected and poultry, rabbit and goat manure becomes fertilizer. Most garden waste goes into compost bins to become soil amendments and mulch.
Solar and wind power is used and bio-diesel can be home brewed to fuel cars and home generators. You will probably see laundry on the line, instead of using energy to run a clothes dryer. This is to save power, and front loading washers save water.
Fresh organic food and all of the hard work of farming, leads to healthier and happier lives. As a result, the cost for doctors and medicine is less.
Green building designs are a common practice. These improvements may qualify for tax rebates. Having a green home and garden is good for you, your neighborhood, and your wallet.
It is cheaper to grow food than it is to buy it. Using solar, wind, and bio-diesel energy is less expensive and more satisfying (after the initial investment in equipment).
Sharing, trading, or selling excess produce, energy, and fuel is part of the simpler, self sufficient and low impact lifestyle of the urban homesteader.
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