What is Permaculture?
The word “permaculture” was coined by Australian permaculturists Bill Mollison and David Holmgren in the mid-1970s. In its early days, permaculture was described as the “development of a permanent culture to create a foundation of supporting human needs based in harmony with nature. This foundation is rooted in the natural development of surplus or regeneration in your community and environment, rather than settling for sustainability.” Permaculture philosophy is based on ancient agricultural practices and traditions of living in harmony with the earth.
“Permaculture is a powerful holistic tool for designing conscious relationships with everything that surrounds us—Mother Nature, plants, animals, human communities, and all energy that flows in our lives. Our ancestors were using some of these tools to thrive. We can also use these tools to restore Mother Nature and society from the effects of human destruction.”
—Alan Cacao, Engineer, Biodynamics and Permaculture Teacher
The Principles of Permaculture
Principle #1: Observe and Interact
Principle #2: Catch and Store Energy
Principle #3: Obtain a Yield
Principle #4: Apply Self-regulation and Accept Feedback
Principle #5: Use and Value Renewable Resources
Principle #6: Produce No Waste
Principle #7: Design from Patterns to Details
Principle #8: Integrate – Do Not Segregate
Principle #9: Use Small and Slow Solutions
Principle #10: Use and Value Diversity
Principle #11: Use Edges and Value the Marginal
Principle #12: Creatively Use and Respond to Change
Ethics
EARTH CARE, FAIR SHARE, AND PEOPLE CARE
Permaculture focuses on creating solutions through our actions. Permaculture is about noticing the patterns of nature around us and within us. Through it, we can come to know the rhythm of our bodies and the moon. It teaches us to know when we need time for reflection and when we need our community, our tribe.