They really need to stop tossing that word around; it's way over-used. The reason why Portland has fewer rats, apart from those in public office, than most cities is because we're so high-tech here: we use these things called "trash cans". In places like Chicago and New York, they went with plastic bags back in the 60s because convenience.
The bags are easy to get into, meaning that food's in abundant supply. Not so in Portland. Less access to food = fewer rats; it's a pretty basic equation. There's nothing "artisanal" about it.
