Crescent Meadow Systems - Permaculture, General Principles

Permaculture is a system for designing sustainable human environments. The term, permaculture, is a contraction of permanent agriculture or permanent culture. The term was coined by Bill Mollison, an Australian ecologist, who developed this sustainable agriculture system along with David Holmgren in 1974. In the years since the 1970s, Bill has taught this system to thousands of students throughout the world. His training has produced teachers of every nationality who teach permaculture techniques within the context of their own cultures and circumstances.

The use of permaculture techniques has helped to produce sustainable communities and abundant food sources in countries throughout the developed and developing world. In some cases permaculture techniques have literally meant the difference between starvation and prosperity. Permaculture techniques can be applied in any type of ecosystem, any climate or any soil conditions.

Permaculture design methods can be characterized as a thoughful combination of the best traditional models of living with the best, and most appropriate, modern innovations and technologies.

Permaculture Ethics

Care of the earth: Care of all living and unliving things: soils, species and their varieties, atmosphere, forests, micro-habitats, animals and waters.
Care of people: Assure that the basic human needs for food, shelter, education, satisfying employment and convivial human contact are taken care of.
Contribution of surplus time and energy: After we have taken care of our basic needs and designed our systems to the best of our ability, we can extend our influence and energies to helping others achieve that aim.

Permaculture Design Philosophy

The Prime Directive of Permaculture: The only ethical decision is to take responsibility for our existence and that of our children.
Principle of Cooperation: Cooperation, not competition, is the very basis of existing life systems and of future survival.

Elements of Permaculture Design

Site Components: Water, earth, landscape, climate and plants.
Energy Components: Technologies, connections, structures and sources.
Abstract Components: Timing, data and ethics.
Social Components: Legal aids, people, culture, trade and finance.

General Permaculture Principles

Permaculture Ethics

Permaculture Design Philosophy

Elements of Permaculture Design