“Are not rules telling us what to do, they are guidelines to tell us what to think about when we are deciding what to do” - Earth Charter When we build a house, the first thing that goes in is the foundation to help make it beautiful and strong. The foundation of permaculture being grounded in ethics firmly in place (asking ourselves should we do something rather than can we do something), next we need to start working on the framework that will hold our house together – The Design Principles. Below are 2 of the many different versions of the Permaculture Principles written by Bill Mollison (the Father of Permaculture) and David Holmgren (the co-creator of Permaculture). The Principles of Permaculture from Bill Mollison and Reny Mia Slay (Introduction to Permaculture) are: 1. Relative Location 2. Each Element performs many functions 3. Each Important function is supported by many elements 4. Efficient energy planning 5. Using biological resources 6. Energy cycling 7. Small scale intensive systems 8. Accelerate succession and evolution 9. Diversity 10. Edge Effects 11. Attitudinal principles The Twelve Principles of Permaculture from David Holmgren (Principles and Pathways above and beyond sustainability) are: 1. Observe and interact 2. Catch and store energy 3. Obtain a yield 4. Apply self-regulation and respond to feedback 5. Use and value renewable resources and services 6. Produce no waste 7. Design from pattern to details 8. Integrate rather than segregate 9. Use small and slow solutions 10. Use and value diversity 11. Use the edges and value the marginal 12. Creatively use and respond to change Like the Ethics, the Design Principles have and are continuing to go through their own evolution as we come to learn and understand more not only of our landscapes and its needs but of ourselves. I particularly like the Earth Charter’s definition of what principles are as they are precisely that – not rules telling us to what to do, but a guide telling us what to think about when we are deciding what to do, a design and decision-making matrix. I once saw a list that Darren Doherty put together for the opening chapter of his new book ‘The Regrarians Handbook’ where he lists 14 different regenerative design and living principles that others have worked from. As David Holmgren talks about, the design principles are no substitute for experience or potentially technical knowledge it does give you a robust framework to work from as thinking tools when you are deciding what to do. “Knowledge must be earned, not simply learned” - Unknown. Below is a PDF from Patrica Allison for another perspective - an enjoyable read ![]()
4 Comments
8/3/2019 09:31:56 pm
I like your presentation and agree with much of this information. Thank you.
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30/3/2019 06:26:54 pm
I’d have to check with you here. Which is not something I usually do! I enjoy reading a post that will make people think. Also, thanks for allowing me to comment!
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30/4/2019 01:48:41 pm
it is not difficult to start to microbusiness at your homes along with your job. The thing you require is the determination and to manage the time efficiently. Here are the great ideas to start the business with very little money just need your effort. Thank you for giving me these ideas and motivating me.
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11/5/2019 02:09:34 pm
We should take good care of our environment, even as of now. It is such an honor to see that even senatorial candidates and local government politicians are making an effort in waste management. It is not a bad idea to recycle at all. In fact, recycling can lead into money. We should segregate our waste, whether it is biodegradable or not. It would really be a big help for those people who are assigned to clean mess. Every problem really has its own solution.
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