Permaculture is a revolutionary approach to sustainable living and land management that’s gaining traction worldwide.
At its core are 12 principles that guide practitioners in creating harmonious, productive systems.
What is Permaculture?
Permaculture, a term coined by Bill Mollison and David Holmgren1 in the 1970s, combines “permanent” and “agriculture” to describe a holistic design system.
It’s built on three ethical pillars: Earth Care, People Care, and Fair Share. These ethics form the foundation for the 12 principles we’ll explore.
The 12 principles of permaculture work together as an interconnected system, providing a framework for sustainable design and living. They’re not just abstract concepts but practical tools you can apply in your daily life and projects.
Let’s break them down one by one.
1. Observe & Interact
The foundation of permaculture design lies in careful observation. By taking the time to watch and understand natural patterns, you can make more informed decisions about your environment.
For example, before planting a garden, observe where the sun hits throughout the day, how water flows across your property, and which areas tend to be windier. These observations will help you place plants in optimal locations for growth.
Key takeaway: Spend time observing your surroundings before making changes. Nature often provides the best solutions if we pay attention.
2. Catch & Store Energy
In permaculture, energy isn’t just about electricity. It encompasses sunlight, water, wind, and even the nutrients in organic matter. The goal is to capture and use these resources efficiently.
You might:
- Install rain barrels to collect rainwater for garden use
- Use compost bins to turn kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich soil
- Plant deciduous trees on the south side of your home for summer shade and winter warmth
Remember, every bit of energy you capture and use wisely is energy you don’t need to source elsewhere.
3. Obtain a Yield
While permaculture emphasizes long-term sustainability, it also recognizes the importance of meeting immediate needs. Your permaculture system should provide tangible benefits, whether that’s food, energy savings, or improved quality of life.
For instance, a well-designed edible landscape can provide fresh fruits and vegetables while also enhancing your property’s aesthetic appeal.
4. Apply Self-Regulation & Accept Feedback
Nature is full of self-regulating systems, and your permaculture design should be no different. This principle encourages you to create systems that can adjust and improve based on their own outputs.
In practice, this might mean:
- Regularly assessing your garden’s performance and adjusting your planting strategy
- Using chickens to control pests and fertilize soil, creating a self-regulating mini-ecosystem
- Being open to feedback and willing to change course when something isn’t working
5. Use & Value Renewable Resources & Services
Sustainability is at the heart of permaculture. In prioritizing renewable resources, you reduce your ecological footprint and create more resilient systems.
Consider:
- Using solar panels for electricity generation
- Planting nitrogen-fixing plants to naturally fertilize your soil
- Harnessing wind power for water pumping or electricity generation
6. Produce No Waste
In permaculture, waste is simply a resource out of place. When you find uses for all outputs, you can create closed-loop systems that mimic natural ecosystems.
Try these waste-reducing strategies:
- Composting kitchen scraps and yard waste
- Upcycling old items into new, useful objects
- Using greywater from your home to water plants
7. Design from Patterns to Details
Nature is full of patterns, from the spiral of a snail’s shell to the branching of tree limbs. When you recognize and replicate these patterns in your designs, you can create more efficient and harmonious systems.
For example, you might design your garden beds in a spiral shape, maximizing edge space and creating microclimates for different plants.
8. Integrate Rather Than Segregate
In nature, diversity creates resilience. The same is true in permaculture design. By integrating different elements and encouraging beneficial relationships between them, you create stronger, more productive systems.
Consider companion planting in your garden. Certain plants grow better together, supporting each other’s growth and deterring pests.
9. Use Small & Slow Solutions
In permaculture, the adage “slow and steady wins the race” rings particularly true. This principle encourages you to favor gradual, small-scale approaches over large, rapid changes.
Big shifts can be disruptive and often unsustainable, while smaller solutions allow for adjustment and refinement over time. Start by implementing one new sustainable practice at a time in your household.
You might begin with a small container garden before expanding to a full yard. In your diet, make incremental changes, gradually incorporating more local, seasonal foods. This approach allows you to learn from each step, adapting your methods as you go.
10. Use & Value Diversity
Biodiversity is crucial for ecosystem health, and the same principle applies to your permaculture system. A diverse system is more resilient and productive.
You can increase diversity by:
- Planting a variety of crops instead of monocultures
- Incorporating different types of animals into your system
- Creating diverse habitats to attract beneficial wildlife
Diversity isn’t just about species – it also applies to functions, ideas, and cultures.
11. Use Edges & Value the Marginal
In nature, edges – where two ecosystems meet – are often the most productive and diverse areas. This principle encourages you to recognize and maximize these edge zones in your permaculture design.
Consider creating a pond with a complex shoreline to increase edge space, providing more opportunities for diverse plant and animal life. In smaller spaces, use vertical gardening techniques to maximize productivity.
Look for ways to find value in typically overlooked areas of your property. Perhaps that awkward corner could become a thriving herb spiral, or the narrow space along your fence could host a productive espalier fruit tree.
12. Creatively Use & Respond to Change
Change is a constant in both nature and life, and this final principle encourages us to embrace it rather than resist it. In permaculture, we observe change, adapt to it, and use it to our advantage.
Be flexible in your approach to problem-solving, viewing challenges as opportunities for innovation and growth.
Source:
1. Permaculture Association
Don’t Miss These:
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.