So, The Big Question Everyone Asks: What Exactly Is Permaculture?

A big propblem with permaculutre is there really is not a clean definition. It is very difficult to explain sometimes. Even sitting down writing this I am having a problem trying to get out the first sentence. There are many ways people have tried to explain permaculture: it is a permanent culture, alternative agriculutre, alternative energy, working with land, caring about people and caring about the future just to name a few. Are you as confused as I am?

I guess the easiest way to describe it: Permaculture Is A Lifestyle!

If you look at the "3 Ethics of Permaculture," written by Bill Mollison and David Holmgren and "The 12 Permaculture Design Principles written by David Holgrem. You will realize that the ethics and principles they are talking about are not just about designing farms, gardens, or landscapes; but a way to design your life.

The 3 Ethics of Permaculture:

1. Care of Earth

2. Care of People

3. Care of Future

The 12 Permaculture Design Principles

1. Observe and interact

2. Catch and store energy

3. Obtain a yield

4. Apply self-regulation and feedback

5. Use and value renewable resources and services

6. Produce now waste

7. Design from patterns to details

8. Integrate rather than segregate

9. Use small and slow solutions

10. Use and value diversity

11. Use edges and value the margins

12. Creatively use and respond to change

Those are a couple great lists to live by. Looking at these 15 things I am sure some may look familiar and most you have been taught throughout your life. I am not going to go into great detail about each of these practices right now but I will in later posts. It is just something to think about.

I do want to briefly talk about the 3 ethics of permaculture to show how you have already been living a permaculture lifestyle. Care of earth, care of people, and care of future. I feel these three ethics have already been put into people's minds that they dont even realize it. Think about the first time you went to a campground, park or tailgate. You were most likely taught to be courteous to others around you, do not damage the area, and when you leave pick up the space better than you found it when you arrived. So you cared about the people, the environment and the future of the space.

Congratulations in just that one situation you used all the three ethics of permaculture!