Anyone can be green when you live on a farm, right? But what about if you move to the city – a city that embraces paper mills, and has coal piles on the banks of the river? Yes indeed! This environmental activist and writer is heading back to the belly of the beast…back to Green Bay, WI!
Green Bay is a wonderful city and one I have often missed living here in Vermont. It’s a truly great place to raise kids, with great schools and opportunities. It does however, need a little push in a more eco-friendly direction!
So – this family of soon to be nine is going to live in the city on a regular city block and see how environmentally conscious we can be! We’re moving after Christmas, so we’ll let you know how it goes! Have tips for being green in the city? Let me know…I can use them.
Cathy says:
WHat? What? NO! I have so enjoyed the stories of the farm, the sheep, the rural life…
I guess I am just stunned. I never imagined you moving from your parent’s farm, little that I know about it, from your writings and blogging I just feel torn!
I know that life throws massive curve balls (boy does it ever) but when you feel the need to milk a goat or get country air, you know where I am…
So, on topic, I actually find it easier to be green in the city for several reasons: 1) Easy access to public transportation. 2) Easy access to libraries, free childrens events, and thrift stores…3) More people available to swap/reuse/share veggies, clothes, toys, etc…. with more people comes more resources. 4) WI has some AWESOME CSA’s… We love ours (tipi produce)
But I agree, as a manufacturing town, Green Bay has a lot to be desired in the way of environmentally friendly individuals. It’s a conservative way of thinking that boggles me… ‘I like to hunt, I like to fish, I love my guns and the outdoors, but damn them liberal environmentalists!!” BUT….. you have Door County close by. What a haven that is.
21st December 2008 at 5:25 pm
Cathy says:
Also….couldn’t leave this out… you know how environmentally friendly hospitals are (yeah right) WI has some awesome homebirth midwives and Madison has a free standing birth center. (I delivered there) Don;t forget the Wisconsin Parents Association , which is the legislative clout and support center for ALL things homeschooling. I think you will be mildly surprised at the AMAZINGLY liberal homeschool laws here… the best in the US I think.
http://www.homeschooling-wpa.org/
21st December 2008 at 5:37 pm
Mish says:
Hi Cathy!
Thank you for your encouraging words! I am sad, in many ways, to leave Vermont – but also excited at the new challenges ahead! I must admit, high-speed internet is also very enticing! I am hoping to get an egglu and challenge some city conventions by raising a couple of chicks in the city! Also intend to put that raised bed, Victory garden to good use. I have a good friend in GB who lives next door to a midwife, so PHEW! And the homeschooling laws are awesome compared to Vermont – so that’s wonderful – and one of the main reasons I’m leaving Vermont. I’m a little tired of the state in my backyard over homeschooling…if the Vermont public schools were amazing, I suppose I would understand – but the one we live near is terrible – simple an awful school, more dedicated to zero tolerance policies than to educating children.
But I digress! I love your blog too – and hope we can meet up sometime to compare Greenie notes!:-)
21st December 2008 at 12:33 pm
CAthy says:
If you are going to be into urban chicken raising, you will have to check this place out..www.backyardchickens.com.
I don’t recommend the Eglus…. they are WAY expensive, and not warm enough for WI winters. They will actually blow away and get covered with snow in bad weather.
You will find a lot of cool cool ideas in backyard chickens gallery. I work with the head of WI urban chickens group!!
21st December 2008 at 10:11 pm
Cathy says:
And oh yeah… we raise 25 chicks annually, a few heavy layers and mostly heritage breeds. When you feel you have the energy/time (with the new bebe) I’d be honored to gift you a few of my pullets or layers.
21st December 2008 at 8:34 pm
Bonnie says:
WOW! What a shocker! We moved to a town from our farm, and promptly decided that we hate the suburbs. It would either be farm life or the city for us. You could be more eco-friendly in the city than the suburbs for sure. We cant walk or bike safely anywhere here. We love to visit the city. But still dreaming of farm life. Mostly gardens and animals…I wonder if the homeowners association would notice a few chicks in the back yard…
21st December 2008 at 10:19 pm
Cathy says:
How exciting–I can’t wait to read how you fare. I used to live in Chicago, so midwest cities are near and dear to my heart.
21st December 2008 at 10:31 pm