Permaculture is a design approach centred on crafting sustainable living spaces while conserving natural resources. It’s not just a set of techniques; it’s a whole mindset.
Originating in the 1970s, the term “permaculture” encapsulates several guiding principles aimed at establishing self-reliant ecosystems with minimal human meddling.
As Jim Gale often points out, the focus is on diversity and abundance.
You don’t have a snail infestation; you have a duck deficiency.
Jim Gale
This sums up the permaculture ethos of creating a balanced, interconnected network of elements. The goal is to emulate natural ecosystems to produce food and other resources.
Anti-establishment
What sets permaculture apart is its subversive impact on industrial farming (Big Agriculture), which often relies on large-scale, single-crop farming methods that exhaust soil and damage local ecosystems.
In contrast, permaculture promotes farming practices that are diverse and resource-preserving, making it a sort of counter-culture to mainstream agricultural practices.
Practical benefits
Adopting permaculture principles can lead to farming methods that are more resilient to environmental challenges like droughts, floods, and extreme weather conditions. It’s not just about being eco-friendly; it’s about creating systems that are robust and adaptable.
