Imagine living in a connected, harmonious, and sustainable world that works with nature rather than against it.
This is the mission of permaculture ethics — to foster a sustainable future for our planet.
There are 3 core principles: earth care, people care, and return of surplus.
Curious about how you can make a difference? Keep reading our guide on permaculture ethics to discover practical ways to live in harmony with nature, foster community and ensure fair resource distribution.
Earth Care and Conservation
Soil Health
The core of regenerative agriculture is healthy soil. Soil rich in organic matter, nutrients, and microorganisms supports healthy growth, which leads to a thriving ecosystem.
Biodiversity
Biodiversity is the most important aspect of permaculture ethics and ethical gardening. Planting a diverse range of species creates an ecosystem of balance and resilience.
Water Conservation
Water is a precious resource. Implementing strategies like rainwater harvesting, mulching, and creating swales allows us to minimise water usage and use it more effectively.
Energy Conservation
Energy conservation advocates for the use of renewable energy sources, maximising energy efficiency, and minimising consumption. Permaculture aims to design systems to minimise energy inputs and maximise outputs.
Natural Building
Permaculture aims to use sustainable and locally-sourced materials for construction. Green building is all about minimising environmental impact and considering the whole process from initial design to eventual end of life.
Habitat Restoration
This focuses on rehabilitating damaged or degraded ecosystems and protecting natural habitats. This also includes waste streams, energy systems, and built environments.
Pollution Reduction
The goal is to reduce waste and pollution through recycling, reusing, and reducing consumption. Minimising waste reduces the burden on landfills and prevents new pollutants from being introduced into the soil.
Social Ethics and Community Building
Community Building
Encourages the development of strong and supportive communities with shared resources and responsibilities. Through collective action communities are better able to protect local environments and conserve natural resources. See our previous post on how community building drives sustainable living here.
Education and Empowerment
Focuses on teaching skills and knowledge for self-sufficiency and sustainable living. It’s vital that we educate younger generations on sustainability and permaculture so we can empower them to build a better world.
Health and Well-being
Prioritises health through access to nutritious food, clean water, and a healthy living environment. Building strong communities is also key for mental and emotional health.
Social Equity
Strives for fairness and equal opportunities for all individuals. The permaculture philosophy of valuing diversity can be applied to people as well as agriculture to create a more equal society.
Local Economies
Supports local businesses and economies to reduce dependance on global supply chains. Community and people are at the heart of permaculture ethics, and fostering a strong local economy allows us to better support local people.
Inclusivity
Ensures all voices are heard and that everyone has a stake in community decisions. Diversity and inclusion brings new voices and insights to the forefront, for the ultimate betterment of the overall community.
Conflict Resolution
Promotes peaceful and constructive ways to address and resolve conflicts. Practicing communication skills and healthy conflict resolution is a key part of social permaculture.
Return of Surplus
Redistribution of Resources
Shares surplus resources with those in need. This includes not only physical resources like food and seeds, but also non-physical resources like knowledge and support.
Reinvestment in the System
Reinvests surplus back into the system to support and enhance it. This could be through methods such as composting, seed saving, or feeding leftover scraps to animals.
Sustainable Consumption
Encourages mindful consumption and avoiding overuse of resources. Permaculture ethics involves using products and services in a way that minimises environmental impact.
Supporting Community Projects
Uses surplus to fund the projects and initiatives of the community and neighbouring communities. This may include investing time, money, or resource support.
Ethical Investment
Focuses on investing in ethical enterprises. It’s crucial that we choose to invest with businesses that are doing good for the world.
Minimising Waste
Ensures that any excess production or resources are utilised effectively and not wasted. General waste should be at a minimum, and the priority should be to recycle, compost, or sustainably dispose of most waste.
Curious about Permaculture Ethics?
Permaculture ethics provide us with a clear pathway to a better way of living. As you integrate these principles into your life, you’ll contribute to a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable world.
If you resonate with permaculture practices, you’ll feel right at home at La Vita Sukha!