The City of Los Angeles has made a Green move in easing away from toxic pesticides and noisy law-mowers and has begun using goats to keep clear overgrown open areas. According to NPR, the city will save $3000 clearing the 2.5 acres on Bunker Hill using animals rather than sprays and machines, making both the goats and the environment happy in the mean-time.
This win-win case is a great example of the potentials of Permaculture, where animals, that may or may not produce food themselves, are fed by eating weeds and insects that would normally cause problems for food growth. Chickens are often brought onto farm to feed off pests and provide eggs in the process. This not only helps the farmer produce more food, but also saves money on feed and on the machinery and pesticides normally used to protect their gardens and crops.
Plus, the animals add a liveliness to the scenery that cannot be matched by lawn-mowers and spray bottles.
Photo by Ric Francis/AP
Jack Wagner is the Editor of The Free Independent-Sun. Born in Sonoma, California and currently residing in San Francisco, Jack set up The Free Independent-Sun on July 4th, 2009, after sleeping in and not making his usual trip up north for his hometown festivities. He figured he'd do something revolutionary to make up for it. In the Summer of 2010 Jack registered Seraf Media with the City and County of San Francisco as a Sole-Proprietorship. He is dedicated to articulating the finer points of the Revolution in order to bring about a Global Renaissance and Abundant World Economy. He also isn't afraid to get his hands dirty transplanting succulents. 
