The American suburb is undergoing a remarkable transformation. A new trend is emerging that embraces sustainable living. This shift, driven by a desire to reconnect with nature and live more responsibly, is bringing about a resurgence in practices like raising backyard chickens and cultivating community gardens. This trend is not just a whimsical throwback but a significant movement towards greener, more sustainable lifestyles in suburban America. This is even more exciting after considering that suburban areas in the United States have seen significant population growth. Since 2000, suburban counties have experienced a 16% increase in population, surpassing the growth in urban areas. This growth is driven by migration from urban and rural counties and international immigration (Pew Research Center, 2018).
Why are some of these sustainability practices trending, what are the benefits, and can we expect this trend to continue? At Eden Development, we are all about building the infrastructure to enable our community members to be more sustainable and even practice net-zero living. So, let’s dive into this trend in a bit more detail.
The Trendy Chicken Revolution:
Keeping backyard chickens in the United States has notably increased, particularly in the last five years. While there is no official count on the number of people in the United States raising chickens, a 2013 USDA study predicted that by 2019, about 5% of Americans, or 13 million people, would be raising their own backyard flocks. This prediction has been largely accurate, with sales of chickens and chicken-related products experiencing a surge in recent years. This increase in interest is reflected in the rapid growth of online searches for chicken-related products. For instance, searches for baby chick supplies on Amazon increased by 758% at the beginning of 2022, and those for chicken nesting boxes increased by 126%. Additionally, the American Pet Products Association national pet owner survey indicates that around 12 million people in the U.S. now own backyard chickens. So, let’s just say there is a movement afoot.
What could have spurred this trend? A common understanding is that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly contributed to the popularity of raising backyard chickens. The pandemic led to months-long stay-at-home orders, prompting many people to look for ways to stay busy and think more deeply about where their food comes from. Concerns about food scarcity and the desire for locally sourced food products also played a role. The pandemic emphasized the importance of self-sufficiency and brought a renewed focus on environmental sustainability, encouraging more sustainable waste management methods, such as composting chicken litter.
The Rise of Community Gardens in Suburbia:
Community gardens are sprouting up across American suburbs, offering more than just a source of fresh produce. They are becoming focal points for community engagement and environmental stewardship. According to the American Community Gardening Association, participation in community gardens fosters neighborhood connections, improves quality of life, and promotes sustainable urban living (American Community Gardening Association, 2019). Community gardens also offer substantial economic benefits. According to USDA research, every dollar invested in a community garden yields about $6 worth of produce. This represents a significant return on investment for gardeners and the community.
Aside from creating more robust and more sustainable neighborhoods and communities, these gardens have been linked to increased fruit and vegetable consumption. Gardeners consume fruits and vegetables more frequently than non-gardeners, with 56% of community gardeners meeting national fruit and vegetable intake recommendations, compared to 37% of home gardeners and 25% of non-gardeners (Garden Lively, 2023).
The Impact of Sustainable Practices in Suburbia:
Adopting sustainable practices like backyard chickens and community gardens is reshaping suburban America. These initiatives reduce our carbon footprint, enhance food security, and foster a deeper connection with our environment. Here are some interesting details on the impact this trend is having:
Saving Money & Less Waste: A report by the National Gardening Association shows that home gardening can significantly save household food budgets (National Gardening Association, 2014). These practices offer clear environmental benefits such as reduced waste and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Economically, they can lead to savings in waste management for municipalities. A study by Johns Hopkins University highlighted that urban and suburban chicken-keeping could reduce pressure on local waste management systems and contribute to local food sustainability (Johns Hopkins University, 2017).
Better Soil: Backyard chickens provide an organic alternative to chemical fertilizers through their manure, enriching soil health. Similarly, community gardens enhance local biodiversity, providing habitats for pollinators and other beneficial species. The National Wildlife Federation underscores the role of community gardens in supporting local ecosystems and contributing to biodiversity conservation (National Wildlife Federation, 2020).
At Eden Development, we couldn’t be more excited about this sustainable living trend in American suburbs. It reflects a shift towards a more conscious and responsible lifestyle. We feel our duty at Eden Development is to create infrastructure and opportunities in more neighborhoods where these practices become more accessible. Removing the barriers to living a healthier and sustainable lifestyle is a cornerstone of our company. We are proud to raise the standard of living that prioritizes sustainability, community, and connection to the earth.
References & Additional Information Resources:
University of Georgia. (2018). The Benefits of Backyard Chickens.
American Community Gardening Association. (2019). The Role of Community Gardens in Sustaining Healthy Communities.
National Gardening Association. (2014). The Impact of Home and Community Gardening In America.
Johns Hopkins University. (2017). Urban and Suburban Chicken-Keeping: A Sustainable Practice.
National Wildlife Federation. (2020). Community Gardens and Biodiversity Conservation.
The Happy Chicken Coop. (2022). How Many People Have Gotten Chickens in the Past Five Years? Retrieved from The Happy Chicken Coop.
AGDAILY. (2020, June 17). Backyard chickens gain popularity in 2020. Here’s why. Retrieved from AGDAILY.
Baltimore Magazine. (2022, September). Thanks to The Pandemic, People Are Flocking to a New Trend: Backyard Chicken-Raising. Retrieved from Baltimore Magazine.
