|
The Earth Loving Urban Farmstead was the brain child and home of two eco-friendly housemates for 2.5 years.
We joined together and bought a huge 114 y.o. house in massive disrepair located the middle of a major U.S. city. Together we fixed it up and created our eco-friendly home with an emphasis on what we dubbed "urban farming".
In a massive aviary requiring the majority of our large enclosed front porch we raised bantam chickens as pets and egg providers for the household.
Diverting rainwater from the roof and grey water from our washing machine, we watered our 5 food gardens.
Chicken bedding & manure, egg shells, garden weeds, leaves, grass, kitchen scraps, etc. were all put to use creating compost for the gardens.
A composting toilet reduced household water waste and provided safely processed humanure for compost.
A complete recycling program was used to reduce household landfill contributions.
The grass was cut with a manual mower.
A solar shower bag was used for bathing and dishwashing.
Household members used human powered and electric powered bicycles for daily commuting needs. The city's mass transit system supplemented biking for incliment weather and longer trips. On occassion a car was bartered or rented for household vacations or special needs.
Vegetables, fruits, herbs, melons and flowers were grown in 5 different gardens on our city house lot.
Over time our family of choice, the two women who co-owned the house, grew to include a cat and a dog. Our home then became a household with the addition of another house mate, who matched our eco enthusiasm, and her cat.
This page is being written to share the information and ideas we implemented in the Earth Loving Urban Farmstead. I hope you'll find it inspirational and informative in pursuing your own eco-friendly and off-grid goals, whether rural or urban.
|
