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.

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.

Canning, freezing, drying, and fermenting are food preservation practices that allow urban homesteaders to store, trade, and share their produce with other urban homesteaders. Some belong to food co-ops and offer their produce at farmer’s 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.

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.

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.