What Is Permaculture? An Introduction To The Three Ethics

Whilst researching for new gardening techniques, you might have come across a new term and asked yourself ‘what is permaculture?’. Well, we are here to introduce you to it.

What is Permaculture?

Permaculture is a lifestyle system based around ecological design, working with nature rather than against it. However, it is not isolated to just gardening. There are three main ethics that make up the foundation of permaculture that demonstrate this. We are going to be writing a lot more articles on the topic so for now we will stick with the basics.

The Ethics of Permaculture

Earth Care

Precisely means to care for the Earth, to nurture it, to bring back wildlife, to regenerate the soil, to rid the land of waste and improve the natural world.

WAYS YOU CAN START IMPLEMENTING EARTH CARE

– Regenerate and bring life back to overworked soil
– Build a haven for wildlife and help build natural ecosystems
– Avoid the use of pesticides and inorganic materials where possible

People Care

This means understanding the importance of people in the permaculture system. It means caring for oneself and the community of humankind, so we can care for and nurture the planet.

WAYS YOU CAN START IMPLEMENTING PEOPLE CARE

– Build a community centre or community garden
– Give your time to helping others
– Share your surplus, no one should have more than anyone else
– Aim to reduce labour by working with nature rather than against it

Fair Share

It has many interpretations, I like to think of it as future care. Take your fair share from the Earth but leave abundance for the future. Don’t take more than you need, don’t overwork the environment and replace what you use with surplus.

WAYS YOU CAN START IMPLEMENTING FAIR SHARE

– Compost and reduce your waste
– Plant Trees
– Provide more than you take
– Reduce your carbon footprint
– Feed and maintain eco-systems
– Share your knowledge