Living Off Grid - What is Permaculture?

Permaculture has recently become a hot topic in the 'green living' and 'sustainability' community. But what is Permaculture? This article aims to define the term Permaculture and give practical ways to implement it into your own landscape designs.

What is Permaculture?
The term 'permaculture', originally coined by Bill Mollison in the 1970's, was first used as a shorted form of "permanent agriculture". (Permaculture.net) Today, permaculture is defined as, "An agricultural system or method that seeks to integrate human activity with natural surroundings so as to create highly efficient self-sustaining ecosystems." (Merriam-Webster)

The Purpose of Permaculture
The goal is to use, to their fullest extent, the resources you have available and making them all work together as efficiently and as sustainably as possible. It is a holistic approach to creating harmony and unity between landscape design and human culture.

The Practicality of Permaculture
The brilliance of permaculture is that everything is interconnected, works together and is dependent on another. For example, you could choose to grow kale in your garden. The kale can then be eaten by you and also given as food for your chickens. Then your chickens also provide food by their eggs. Then you can use the manure in your chicken coup in your compost pile which can later fertilze the soil in your garden. Every aspect in a permaculture ecosystem has multiple uses and is supported by each other.

The Three Standard Ethics of all Permaculture Designs
There are three standard ethics applicable to all permaculture design. First is care of the earth. "All living things have intrinsic worth" and value. Second, is care of the people; the goal of permaculture is to have a sustainable ecosystem and when correctly designed, every aspect should be supported. Third is the reinvestment of all surplus. Surplus can include everything from information, money or labor as long as it is in support of the first two ethics.

Implementing Permaculture into Your Landscape Design
However you choose to implement permaculture into your landscape design, consider the standard of ethics and how you can best achieve a cohesive and self-supported ecosystem. Plan for your specific geographic region. Choose plants and livestock that will thrive best in your climate. With every component of your design, brainstorm possible uses, potential symbiotic relationships, and determine what will make the most of your resources.