"Get Rid of Lawns!"

The famed biologist and "ant man," E. O. Wilson gave a talk last month I was delighted to catch---and  while he  ambled happily hither and yon in his prepared remarks--- there are 5-6000 species of bacteria in a handful of soil; 42 ant species were discovered in one section of one tree in the rainforest,  same as the number of species in all the UK-- during the question period he was sharply  to the point.

When asked about the number one environmental thing Americans easily could do, he did not answer, "Switch out those antique light bulbs,"  but said, instead, "Get rid of lawns."

We agree, of course. Let's put in a good word for "edible lawns,"  however, as well as for "edible estates," a concept promoted by architect Fritz Haeg, among others. (  Haeg's book,  Edible Estates: Attack on the Front Lawn, came out early this year.)
Amazingly, though, even in these difficult times, with water shortages, food shortages, and money shortages, many Americans are still constrained by the so-called covenants of where they live.   These, naturally, are mired in the mid 20th century. ( No visible veggies growing, no clothes lines, no chickens, etc., etc.) Home owners may be  further cobbled by the rigid definition of "curb appeal" as well.

Plant edibles, people, and then go out and graze with selected ruminants, right out front where the Zoning Board folks can see you!

( Photo thanks to http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/05/10/edible-estates-goes-to-print/)

Comments

[Rose]

Talking solar:
My brother in law gave me a solar mobile phone charger with gazillion different charger plugs (?) Never tried it though, I am ashamed to admit. But then I am never caught high in the mountains or deserted islands.

[Foodie]

Now that's another thing to try, Rose--why not? Maybe it could be wrapped in that padded foil stuff---I used it on my water heater.

Then there are solar ovens, cooking devices, too.

[Rose]

Not sure it was a crockpot but after the war in Germany, with intermittent gas or electricity, my mother brought a potwith food to the boil and then "buried " it, wrapped in hay or straw in a box. It continued cooking till done- without energy. Have to check with her if she remembers.

[Foodie]

Mom! It was a surprise, sheesh.Tks for the crockpot report. BTW people with Aga's or similar-we had one when we lived abroad--can slow cook at any time.

Now--what about edible lawns?

[NAOmni]

Good to hear from you. I couldn't be more excited about crockpots. My mother slipped to me that my aunt has gotten me one for Christmas after reading my blog and hearing how much I wanted one. I pretty excited to say the least. I'll be posting about it and maybe from my posts and your friend's aromas we will be able to sway you to the slow cooking side.

Than again, maybe this is all better in theory. We'll see!

NAOmni