Metropolitan Farming in P-town November 23, 2009

Don’t let the trek from city to farmland daunt you, you can have your very own organic farm in your own backyard. Some Portland city-dwellers are discovering the joys of raising their very own plants and animals while maintaining a day job.

Just as cats and dogs have evolved into common household pets, so have chickens for some local hipsters. It is legal in Portland to have up to three hens, ducks, rabbits or pigmy goats without a permit. In one of the interviews conducted on the local radio show called, “Destination DIY”, Portland residents, Scott and Salina, state their observation of this growing trend, comparing it to the pot-bellied pig fad of the mid-nineties “except you can get something from chickens.” They might not give love like cats or other household pets but they give eggs. They also have personalities. This fact might make it a bit of a challenge for those who eat meat to detach from the animal as a pet and think of it as a meal. However, by owning a chicken or other farm animal, you become involved in the entire cycle of its life.

It was also stated in this locally run audio show that in a recent craigslist search, there were 49 chicken related postings in Portland and the surrounding metro area. There are even different events occurring around town such as the annual Tour de Coups. This year’s tour featured 18 different coups.

Connor Voss and Sarah Brown, residents of Milwaukie, began their own little backyard farm with the intention of not buying any food. When they realized that they were farming more than they could consume, they began selling to friends through a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture model). In this program, seven of their friends pay between $15-20 monthly for fresh produce. In addition to farming, they raise chickens and lambs.

By listening to this radio show, it surprised me how many people are taking action to support themselves, their families, and community by taking action rather than sitting back and waiting for the world to change. I’ve realized in the past few months just how possible it is to live a sustainable lifestyle.

To listen to the radio show and for more links related to Backyard Farming in Portland go to http://destinationdiy.com/audiolibrary.html click ‘all episodes’ and ‘episode 31′.

Other links:

http://tilth.org/

http://digginrootsfarm.com/

Patagonia: Perfectly Practical November 19, 2009

If you live in the Pacific Northwest , it is likely that you have heard of the clothing company Patagonia. You probably own a Patagonia fleece or know someone who does. This company has been through many transformations; from mountain gear to fleece for surfers, and long underwear for those in cold climates. Patagonia has never stopped caring about the environment.As comfy and versatile as their clothing is, their mission has never been about fashion.

Patagonia’s website sates that “..25% of all toxic pesticides used in agriculture was(and is) horrific, and that evidence of damage to the health of field workers is strong, though difficult to prove.” In 1994, Patagonia made the decision to transform all of their cotton products to be made from only 100% organic cotton. They succeeded in this mission and every cotton garment since 1996 has been 100% organic cotton.

Patagonia is continuing to research more sustainable fabrics. They are using more hemp along with recycled polyester. The thing that o find the most interesting is that some of their best-selling products are made from plastic soda bottles! Yes it’s true, one of their suppliers found a way to recycle that plastic and turn it into polyester to make fleece.

Along with a lifetime guarantee on clothing, Patagonia continues to make the best products  with the best of intentions. Patagonia is a true example of sustainable living. To read more about Patagonia’s history, shop for yourself, or learn about their current clothing-recycling program, check out www.Patagonia.com.