Permaculture

From GreenTrust, the free encyclopedia.

Permaculture is a form of landscaping that strives to create a naturally balanced ecosystem that feeds the gardener's needs while being self-sustaining. The method takes edible landscaping a few steps further: not only does it feed the gardener, it's goal is also to provide fuel, materials for shelter and home, and habitat for livestock. Native plant species are used whenever possible and when they are not, species are chosen for their compatibility with the local environment.

[Earth & Table]

We can live in a more natural and environmentally friendly way and significantly improve our quality of life.

By thinking carefully about the way we use our resources - food, energy, shelter and other material and non-material needs - it is possible to get much more out of life by using less. We can be more productive for less effort, reaping benefits for our environment and ourselves, for now and for generations to come.

This is the essence of Permaculture - the design of an ecologically sound way of living - in our households, gardens, communities and businesses. It is created by cooperating with Nature and caring for the Earth and its people.

Permaculture is not exclusive - its principles and practice can be used by anyone, anywhere.

[Permaculture Magazine]

Permaculture is the art and science of designing human beings' place in the environment. Permaculture design teaches you to understand and mirror the patterns found in healthy natural environments. You can then build profitable, productive, sustainable, cultivated ecosystems, which include people, and have the diversity, stability, and resilience of natural ecosystems.

Permaculture designs range from households to major agricultural enterprises and even entire bioregions. Permaculture integrates disciplines relating to food, shelter, energy, water, trees/plants, wildlife, livestock, weather, waste management, economics and social sciences. These integrated designs create systems capable of yielding far more than the output of conventional systems. Permaculture can reclaim devastated lands, roll back deserts, build just social/economic systems & design planet-based livelihoods.

International Institute for Ecological Agriculture