Sunday, July 6, 2008

What is permaculture?

By linking the different parts of each system in ecologically sensible ways, permaculture achieves high yields, reduces inputs, and actually builds fertility over successive seasons. Based on three core ethics and a set of design principles, permaculture can be applied in any climate and at any scale.

"Permaculture" is the combines both "permanent" and "agriculture" as well as "permanent" and "culture." Permaculture is a philosophy that allows us to use the resources that we have around us to their fullest potential. By observing and learning from our environment, such as how does nature replenish its soil, how does nature protect and conserve its water resources, how has nature adapted to the specific climate of an area, etc…we can learn how to imitate these natural processes in our daily living. The more closely that we can work with nature, the more likely we are to establish a balance which will provide us with the things that we need without hurting the environment.

Permaculture is rooted in the fact that no single problem or solution stands on its own. In recognition of this balance, it embraces four basic principles:
Working with nature rather than against it
Thoughtful observation rather than thoughtless labor
Each element should perform many functions rather than one
Everything is connected to everything else

Read more about permaculture here

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