Permaculture began as an agriculture zone theory in Australia. It has since evolved into a framework for thinking about all aspects of society. I first became aware of the subject at a talk given at the Mid-Atlantic Renewable Energy Fair in Kempton, Pa. several years ago.
I began researching various areas as indicated on the chart. In some areas there were slim pickin’s. It seems the theory has outpaced the research. That’s as it should be. Now there are areas that challenge our imaginations and beg for solutions.
I thought about taking a Permaculture Design Course, but the idea seems to have been franchised and it costs big bucks to take the course.
Fortunately, there is a wealth of information available for free on the web. As I searched, I came across a web page, www.tv.naturalnews.com that has videos on a variety of permaculture subjects. There is a series of fourteen videos by Goeff Lawton that provide a pretty good overview of the design theory for agriculture.
Finally, I found a site where I could get free ebooks about permaculture, www.green-shopping.co.uk. They also sell books about permaculture, if you want to round out your library.
There is also a free booklet titled, The Essence of Permaculture by Dave Holmgren, one of the founders of the Permaculture movement, on his site listed above or at www.permacultureprinciples.com.
In this book, David Holmgren lists the Design Principles of Permaculture. They are:
1. Observe and interact
a. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
a. Make hay while the sun shines
3. Obtain a yield
a. You can’t work on an empty stomach
4. Apply self-regulation and accept feedback
a. The sins of the fathers are visited on the children unto the seventh generation
5. Use and value renewable resources and services
a. Let nature take its course
6. Produce no waste
a. Waste not, want not
7. Design from patterns to details
a. Can’t see the forest for the trees
8. Integrate rather than segregate
a. Many hands make light work
9. Use small and slow solutions
a. Slow and steady wins the race
10. Use and value diversity
a. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket
11. Use edges and value the marginal
a. Don’t think you are on the right track, just because it is well beaten
12. Creatively use and respond to change
a. Vision is not seeing things as they are, but as they will be
If you download the book and want to print it, make sure your printer is in landscape mode.
If reviewing this topic stimulates your thinking about using the permaculture principles in a non-agricultural way, or if you are involved in a current project, let me know. I would love to hear of your ideas, experiences and plans.
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2 comments:
There is no substitute for taking a real, well-respected, face-to-face PDC. It is literally invaluable. And while I agree it can be expensive, its actually incredible value when compared with other professional training programs or college tuition, etc.
I've been studying permaculture since 1996, and have taken many Permaculture courses, without exception they are some of the most important investments I've ever made.
Anon,
I'm sorry to take so long to respond to your comment. While I respect your opinion, I see a conflict with this and other similar programs. If we want to save the world, the message needs to get out. Charging a fee limits the audience to the more affluent. Perhaps there needs to be a two tier system. One that is available to everyone and one that is exclusive to those with discretionary income.
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