Permaculture: The Art of Sustainable Living
Permaculture is a fun, empowering, and effective way to live sustainably
Permaculture can be applied to all areas of your life – it’s not just about gardening!
Permaculture is a design philosophy that mimics nature’s own patterns to create sustainable, resilient, self-sufficient and abundant ecosystems.
Permaculture is a lifestyle that will change the way you live, grow food, and interact with nature.
By creating more sustainable environments at home, we inspire change in our communities, businesses, and even governments. Small, mindful changes can have a ripple effect—shifting how we consume, how we waste, and how we think about nature.
The word itself, permaculture is a combination of two words: “permanent” and “agriculture,” though its scope goes far beyond farming. It’s about designing systems that are ecologically sound, economically viable, and socially fair. Think of it as the art and science of creating landscapes and lifestyles that support both people and the planet, in a way that lasts for generations.
Permaculture focuses on minimizing waste, maximizing efficiency, and working with nature rather than trying to control it. It relies on diverse, well-planned ecosystems that thrive without constant intervention.
Founded on the three ethics: Earth Care, People Care, Fair Share, Permaculture is guided by core principles, which may be familiar to you if you have spent time in nature. Here are some examples of key principles:
1. Observe and Interact: Nature has all the answers, if we just take the time to observe. In permaculture, careful observation of the environment helps us design systems that align with natural processes.
2. Catch and Store Energy: Whether it’s sunlight, wind, or rainwater, permaculture teaches us to capture energy and store it for future use. Solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and wind turbines are modern tools that align with this principle.
3. Obtain a Yield: The ultimate goal of permaculture is to provide a surplus—whether that’s food, energy, or even happiness. It’s about working smart to produce more than you consume.
4. Apply Self-Regulation and Accept Feedback: Nature self-corrects. We can do the same by learning from mistakes and adjusting our practices. Embracing feedback allows systems to evolve and improve.
5. Use and Value Renewable Resources: Let’s shift our focus from finite resources to those that regenerate naturally, like solar energy, compost, and organic materials.
6. Use Small and Slow Solutions: Instead of big, fast fixes, permaculture favours slow, steady, and manageable changes. It’s about sustainability, not quick fixes.
7. Value Diversity: Just as diversity in nature creates stability, diversity in your garden, your community, and your lifestyle creates resilience. A variety of plants, animals, and even skills will ensure your system can withstand change.
Applying Permaculture to Your Own Life: Where to Start
Would you like to learn more? Check out Permaculture Matters, a collaboration of local permaculture teachers, teaching an internationally recognized Permaculture Design Course (PDC). Permaculture Matters is based in Katoomba in the Blue Mountains.
We offer a free one hour introduction, Peek into Permaculture Matters, where you get a taste of how we teach. It is engaging, fun, collaborative and you will build connection with like minded people of all ages.
Visit our website www.permaculturematters.com.au for more information, or to be in touch.