Ethics and Principles of Permaculture

Ethics and Principles of Permaculture

In his book Permaculture: Principles and Pathways beyond Sustainability, David Holmgren writes, “Ethics act as constraints on survival instincts and the other personal and social constructs of self-interest that tend to drive human behaviour in any society. They are culturally evolved mechanisms for more enlightened self-interest, a more inclusive view of who and what constitutes ‘us’, and a longer-term understanding of good and bad outcomes.”

Ethics of Permaculture

• Care for the earth (husband soil, forests and water)
• Care for people (look after self, kin and community)
• Fair share (set limits to consumption and reproduction, and redistribute surplus).

The Twelve Principles of Permaculture

• Observe & Interact
• Catch & Store Energy
• Obtain a Yield
• Apply Self-regulation & Accept Feedback
• Use & Value Renewable Resources and Services
• Produce No Waste
• Design From Patterns to Details
• Integrate Rather Than Segregate
• Use Small and Slow Solutions
• Use and Value Diversity
• Use Edges and Value the Marginal
• Creatively Use and Respond to Change