People who live a simpler, more self sufficient lifestyle in the own homes and yards, are called urban homesteaders. They seek to have a smaller environmental footprint and to have a low impact on the earth. Urban homesteading is increasing in popularity.
Urban lawns become micro farms, where urban homesteaders grow their own food. They raise chickens for eggs and manure. Pygmy goats and dwarf rabbits can also be raised. Check your local government for city regulations on raising farm animals. Crops of fruits and vegetables are also grown.
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 are used and bio-diesel can be home brewed to fuel cars and home generators. Some homesteaders even sell energy back to the utility company. 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.
Home grown food is less expensive than grocery store food. The use of alternative energy is much cheaper than public utilities, after the initial equipment cost, and has less impact on the environment.
The conserving and sharing of home grown food and energy is part of living the simpler and more self sufficient life of the urban homesteader.
Want to find out more about Urban Homesteaders, then visit Rebecca Odenkirk’s site for more info on the environment.
