Permaculture is a thinking system. How can we create permanently regenerative culture? And also, permanently regenerative agriculture? In ways that sustain our communities, without screwing the planet?
The answers lie, as always, in taking our cues from natural systems and indigenous knowledge. In all kinds of ways. We all have a lot to learn.
We need to become holistic thinkers when we plan and design our actions – on every scale.
Permaculture is ecological systems theory. Permaculture is also a goal, an intention and an outlook. A way of approaching things.
We all aspire to live in a state that offers everyday comfort, good things to eat, beautiful surroundings, well-designed infrastructure, meaningful livelihoods and a future for our families. Preferably not at the expense of others, and definitely in a way that doesn’t damage our planet.
Here’s Nick, explaining ‘what is permaculture’
The 12 permaculture principles
David Holmgren, co-originator of the permaculture concept (alongside the late and great Bill Mollison), has created 12 permaculture principles to help everyone with this mindset shift of holistic thinking and action.
The 12 permaculture principles are simple yet powerful thinking tools that you can use when you’re designing anything at all – a garden, or a home, or your dream job – or indeed, even your accountancy practice or your community organisation.
These principles ask us – what do we need to consider, when creating regenerative systems? What must we not forget?
This is where the 12 permaculture principles can help. You don’t need to use all 12 principles at once. Some will apply more strongly than others, at times, depending on your context, and what you’re designing or planning.
Principle 1: Observe and Interact
By taking the time to engage with nature we can design solutions that suit our particular situation.
Principle 2: Catch and Store Energy
By developing systems that collect resources when they are abundant, we can use them in times of need.
Principle 3: Obtain a Yield
Ensure that you are getting truly useful rewards as part of the work that you are doing.
Principle 4: Apply Self-Regulation and Accept Feedback
We need to discourage inappropriate activity to ensure that systems can continue to function well.
Principle 5: Use and Value Renewable Resources and Services
Make the best use of nature’s abundance to reduce our consumptive behaviour and dependence on non-renewable resources.
Principle 6: Produce No Waste
By valuing and making use of all the resources that are available to us, nothing goes to waste.
Principle 7: Design From Patterns To Details
By stepping back, we can observe patterns in nature and society. These can form the backbone of our designs, with the details filled in as we go.
Principle 8: Integrate Rather Than Segregate
By putting the right things in the right place, relationships develop between them and they support each other.
Principle 9: Use Small and Slow Solutions
Small and slow systems are easier to maintain than big ones, making better use of local resources and produce more sustainable outcomes.
Principle 10: Use and Value Diversity
Diversity reduces vulnerability to a variety of threats and takes advantage of the unique nature of the environment in which it resides.
Principle 11: Use Edges and Value the Marginal
The interface between things is where the most interesting events take place. These are often the most valuable, diverse and productive elements in the system.
Principle 12: Creatively Use and Respond to Change
We can have a positive impact on inevitable change by carefully observing, and then intervening at the right time.
