Twelve Permaculture Principles
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Transcript of Twelve Permaculture Principles
Permaculture is a design approach that works to
restore the health of an ecosystem by mimicking
natural processes. It is based on ecological and
biological principles, to maximise effect and
minimise effort. Permaculture aims to create
stable, productive systems that provide for human
needs, harmoniously integrating the land with its
inhabitants. This booklet defines and describes the
twelve main principles.
By taking the time to engage with nature, we can design
solutions that suit our particular situation. Observation
allows you first to see how the site functions within itself,
to gain an understanding of its natural relationships.
Some people recommend a yearlong observation of a
site before anything is planted. This allows the site to be
observed through all seasons, for maximum utilization
of the areas native performance.
1
&Identify and collect flows of energy. Every natural cycle
is an opportunity for a better yield; every gradient (in
slope, charge, temperature, etc.) can produce energy.
Reinvesting resources builds capacity to capture yet
more resources. By developing systems that collect
resources, we can use them in times of need.
2
Make sure that you are reaping the rewards of your
labor. Design the site for both immediate and long-
term returns. Utilize the yields of each element to meet
the needs of other elements in the system. A good
example of this is composting. Kitchen scraps could
be turned into a fertile compost to nourish the garden.
Also, remember that the biggest limit to abundance is
creativity. Imagination and skill usually limit productivity
before any physical limits are reached.
3
&This principle deals with self-regulatory aspects
of permaculture design that limit or discourage
inappropriate growth or behavior. With better
understanding of how positive and negative feedbacks
work in nature, we can design systems that are more
self-regulating, thus reducing the work involved in
repeated and harsh corrective management. Keep in
mind that a self-maintaining and regulating system is the
ultimate goal.
4
Permaculture design should aim to make best use of
renewable natural resources to manage and maintain
yields, even if some use of non-renewable resources is
needed in establishing the system. Renewable services
are those gained from plants, animals and living soil and
water without being consumed. For example, when we
use a tree for shade and shelter, we gain benefits from
the living tree that are non-consuming and require no
harvesting energy.
5
In permaculture, there is no such thing as waste. By
properly utilizing of all the resources that are available to
us, nothing goes to waste. For example, when a family
uses a hand pump for water instead of the conventional
faucet, the hand pump encourages them to conserve
and be conscious of how much they use.
6
Living systems mature with time. So, if we accept this
trend and align our designs with natural forces, we
save time and energy. For example, it is important to
remember that mature ecosystems are more diverse
and productive than young ones.
7
8By doing research and putting the right things together,
support systems between elements can develop.
Permaculture Guilds are groups of plants, animals and
microbacteria, which compliment each other. For
example, the Three Sisters (maize, squash and beans) is
a well-known guild. The higher number of connections
among elements, the more healthy and diverse the
ecosystem will be.
&Small and slow systems are easier to maintain than big
ones, and they make better use of local resources and
produce more sustainable outcomes. Understand the
system you are working with well enough to find its
“leverage points” and intervene there, where the least
work accomplishes the most change.
9
&Diversity reduces vulnerability and increases yield. For
example, a study in China showed that planting several
varieties of rice in the same field increased yields by
89 percent. Also, polycultures are great because they
imitate the diversity of natural ecosystems.
10
&The boundaries between environments is where the
most interesting events take place, these are often the
most valuable, diverse and productive elements in the
system. This is the place where energy and materials
accumulate or are translated. Utilize the edge and value
the seemingly trivial.
11
You can have a positive impact on inevitable change by
carefully observing and then intervening at the right
time. When change occurs, be creative, trust what you
have observed, and find a solution that is best for your
site.
12
This book was designed and assembled by Sarah Bess McLaughlin in Dec 2009. The photographs were collected from various sources including Willow Organic Farm in Oxfordshire, MSU Student Organic Farm in Boston, and Natick Community Organic Farm in Boston.
The first recorded practice of permaculture was by Austrian farmer Sepp Holzer in the 1960s, but the method was scientifically perfected by Bill Mollison and David Holmgren.
BOOKSGaia’s Garden by Toby HemenwayEarth Care Manual by Patrick WhitefieldEarth User’s Guide by Rosemary MorrowOne Straw Revolution by Masunobu Fukuoka
WEBSITESPlants for a Future pfaf.orgPermacultureDesignSolutions.comPermaculture Research Institute permaculutre.org.au TransitionNetwork.org
Permaculture is a design approach that works to
restore the health of an ecosystem by mimicking
natural processes. It is based on ecological and
biological principles, to maximise effect and
minimise effort. Permaculture aims to create
stable, productive systems that provide for
human needs, harmoniously integrating the
land with its inhabitants. This booklet defines
and describes the twelve main principles. Here is a great introduction to create your personal permaculture, a place to work and live in harmony with nature, a place that will nurture your body and your soul.
$10 US/$12 CANADA
TWELVE permaculture principles