ELEMENTAL EARTH
WHAT IS
PERMACULTURE?
THE ETHICS
EARTHECARE, PEOPLECARE AND FAIRSHARES
'Permaculture is a method of planet management that tries to emulate the natural ecosystems of the planet,to work with nature rather than seeing her as an enemy that must be subdued.'
Ken Fern - Plants for a future
Permaculture (from permanent agriculture and perminent culture) is a successful approach to designing sustainable environments that have the diversity,stability and resillience of natural ecosystems whilst also providing for the needs of the people who use them.It is based on the philosophy of cooperating with nature and caring for the earth and its people.
How does it work?
In brief,because every place on earth is different in local climate,landform,soils and the combination of speices that will thrive there this globalized village needs localised solutions.Not only does the land and its potential vary from place to place,but so too do the local peoples needs,preferances and capabilities.Every place and community then,requires its own particular design.
The all important thing in permaculture is the design.Design tools and processes allow an individual or group to assemble conceptual,material and strategic components into a pattern or plan of action that can be implemented and maintained with minimal resources and toil.
PRINCIPLES OF PERMACULTURE
Observe and interact
Catch and store energy
Obtain a yield
Apply self regulation and accept feedback
Use and value renewable resources and services
Produce no waste
Design from patterns to details
Intergrate rather than segrigate
Use small and slow solutions
Use and value diversity
Use edges and value the marginal
Creatively use and respond to change
