# How to Create a Sustainable Lifestyle Inspired by Urban Farming Trends
In the heart of concrete jungles like Silicon Valley, Bay Area tech, and New York tech, there's an agricultural revolution afoot. A trend, once considered a fad, has firmly taken root (pun intended) in American startups and high-tech companies across the country - urban farming. As we become increasingly conscious of our planet's health and our own, many of the US tech industry's top innovators are turning their hands to the soil. Let's explore how you too can create a sustainable lifestyle inspired by these urban farming trends.
What Is Urban Farming?
Urban farming, simply put, is the practice of growing, processing, and distributing food in or around urban areas. This ecosystem can range from small-scale backyard or rooftop gardens to larger city farms, and everything in between. The goal of this farming practice is not just to grow food but also to nurture community health, ecosystem health, and improved quality of life.
The Rise of Urban Farming in the US Tech Industry
Over the past decade, there's been a notable shift in the way Silicon Valley and other US tech hubs approach sustainability. Urban farms have popped up in unexpected places, from the rooftops of New York tech startups to the heart of the Bay Area tech scene, where techies exchange code for compost.
One such example is "Brooklyn Grange" – the world’s largest rooftop soil farms located across two rooftops in New York City. They grow over 50,000 lbs of organically-cultivated produce per year.
Another case is the "Google Food program" at their Mountain View campus in Silicon Valley that uses a small vegetable garden to provide fresh, organic produce for its famous, gourmet, employee cafeterias.
Vertical Farming: Maximize Your Space
This is where the old adage "reach for the sky" takes on a decidedly green tinge. Vertical farming allows urban gardeners to make the most of limited space by growing vegetables and herbs in vertically stacked layers. It's an efficient, resource-light way to farm, and it's catching on in the US tech industry.
Consider "Plenty Inc.", a Bay Area tech startup that grows crops indoors, on glowing, LED-lit 20-foot-tall towers. This American startup uses 95% less water than traditional farming and yields more than 350 times as much produce.
Raising Chickens in the City: A Clucking Good Idea
Raising backyard chickens isn't just for country folks anymore. Many urban dwellers across the US tech hubs are getting in on the action, inspired by the promise of fresh eggs, natural pest control, and the simple joy of watching these quirky creatures go about their day.
"FarmTina", an urban farming blog based in Brooklyn, New York, is a perfect example. The blog documents the journey of a tech-employee-turned-urban-farmer, who successfully raises chickens in her backyard in the middle of the city.
Actionable Tips for Starting Your Urban Farm
With a bit of planning, you can create your very own urban farm. Here are some actionable tips to get you started:
- Start Small: Begin with a few easy-to-grow plants, and gradually expand your farm as you gain more confidence. - Use Your Space Wisely: Whether it's a windowsill or a rooftop, utilize your space effectively. Vertical farming is a good way to maximize limited space. - Compost: Composting is a great way to recycle food waste and enrich your soil. - Join a Community: There are many urban farming communities out there. Join one to learn and share experiences.
Conclusion: Join the Urban Farming Revolution
Urban farming is more than a trend — it's a lifestyle shift towards sustainability and self-sufficiency. As urban farming continues to sprout across the landscapes of American startups and tech spaces, there's never been a better time to dig in. So, roll up your sleeves, grab a shovel, and join the urban farming revolution today. You'll not just grow your food; you'll grow a more sustainable and healthy lifestyle too.