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.

These micro farms are usually organic. This means that their farms are free of chemical pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides. Natural alternatives are used and rain water is collected and recycled for garden usage. Garden and yard waste goes into compost bins, to be reused later as mulch and soil amendments. Organic and heirloom seeds are saved from each year, to be planted the next season.

Some urban homesteaders have solar arrays and wind turbines to supplement or replace public utilities. Bio-diesel can be home brewed for powering cars and home generators. Using front loading clothes washers and line drying is a common practice.

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.

Using green building designs is 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.

Living healthier lives and conserving and sharing of home grown food and energy are part of the simpler and more self sufficient life of the urban homesteader.

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categories: urban homesteaders,micro farms,organic,green,self sufficient,smaller environmental footprint