Permaculture Ethics to Know for Intro to Permaculture

Permaculture ethics focus on caring for the Earth, people, and ensuring fair resource distribution. By understanding these principles, we can create sustainable systems that benefit both ecosystems and communities, promoting resilience and harmony in our interactions with nature and each other.

1. Earth Care

   • Prioritize the health of ecosystems and biodiversity.
   • Implement practices that restore and regenerate natural resources.
   • Recognize the interconnectedness of all living systems and their habitats.

2. People Care

   • Foster community and social equity through collaboration and support.
   • Ensure access to resources and opportunities for all individuals.
   • Promote well-being and resilience in human communities.

3. Fair Share

   • Advocate for equitable distribution of resources and wealth.
   • Encourage responsible consumption and sustainable practices.
   • Create systems that allow for surplus resources to benefit the community.

4. Observe and Interact

   • Spend time understanding the environment and its dynamics.
   • Engage with natural systems to learn from their patterns and processes.
   • Use observations to inform design decisions and interventions.

5. Catch and Store Energy

   • Utilize techniques to harness renewable energy sources (e.g., solar, wind).
   • Implement systems that capture and store resources for future use.
   • Design landscapes that maximize energy efficiency and resource availability.

6. Obtain a Yield

   • Focus on producing tangible benefits from permaculture systems.
   • Ensure that designs are productive and meet the needs of users.
   • Balance short-term yields with long-term sustainability.

7. Apply Self-Regulation and Accept Feedback

   • Establish guidelines for ethical practices and personal accountability.
   • Encourage adaptability and responsiveness to feedback from the environment.
   • Use failures as learning opportunities to improve systems and practices.

8. Use and Value Renewable Resources and Services

   • Prioritize the use of sustainable materials and energy sources.
   • Recognize the importance of ecosystem services in supporting human life.
   • Design systems that enhance and utilize natural processes.

9. Produce No Waste

   • Implement practices that minimize waste and promote recycling.
   • Design systems that utilize by-products and close nutrient loops.
   • Encourage a mindset of resourcefulness and efficiency.

10. Design from Patterns to Details

    • Start with a broad understanding of natural patterns before focusing on specifics.
    • Use patterns observed in nature to inform design choices.
    • Ensure that details support the overall vision and function of the system.