A school of ecological systems thinking

"Permaculture is a philosophy of working with, rather than against nature; of protracted and thoughtful observation rather than protracted and thoughtless labor; and of looking at plants and animals in all their functions, rather than treating any area as a single product system."
- Bill Mollison

Permaculture originated as a form of sustainable agriculture. It developed into a larger set of values and priciples referencing a permanent culture, extending to architecture, tooling and general land management.

It takes inspiraton from arrangements found in flourishing natural ecosystems, emphasizing renewable resources, whole-systems thinking and a local-first approach.

Foundational Ethics

Care of the Earth Provision for all life systems to continue and multiply.
Care of People Provision for people to access those resources necessary for their existence.
Limit Population and Consumption By governing our own needs, we can set resources aside to further the above principles.

Design Principles

Observe & Interact Take time to engage with nature to design solutions that suit a particular situation.
Catch & Store Energy Develop systems that collect resources at peak abundance for use in times of need.
Obtain a Yield Emphasize projects that generate meaningful rewards.
Apply Self-Regulation and Accept Feedback Discourage inappropriate activity to ensure that systems function well.
Use and Value Renewable Resources and Services Make the best of nature's abundance: reduce dependence and consumption on non-renewable resources.
Produce no Waste Value and employ all available resources; waste nothing.
Design from patters to details Observe patterns in nature and societe and use them to inform designs, later adding details.
Integrate Rather Than Segregate Proper design allows development of relationships between elements, allowing them to work together to support each other.
Use Small and Slow Solutions Small and slow systems are easier to maintain, make better use of local resources and produce more sustainable outcomes.
Use and Value Diversity Diversity reduces system-level vulnerabilities that threaten to exploit their environment.
Use Edges and Value the Marginal The border between things is where the most interesting events take place. These are often the system's most valuable, diverse and productive elements.
Creatively Use and Respond to Change A positive impact on inevitable change comes from careful observation, followed by well-timed intervention.

human needs

conviviality

Alternative ways of living

fukuoka

On the principles of natural farming.

solar punk

A manifesto.