Many people are looking for a simpler way of life. They want to be more self sufficient and to have a smaller environmental footprint. This is why we are seeing a growth of urban homesteaders.
This is an ever increasing trend. These enthusiasts change their urban lawns into urban micro farms. Back yards become animal pens and gardens. They raise chickens for meat, 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.
Most micro farms are organically grown. 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.
The physical labor involved in farming, and the organic food that urban homesteaders grow, is very good for their health. This reduces their food and doctor bills.
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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categories: urban homesteaders,micro farms,organic,green,self sufficient,smaller environmental footprint