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Definition:
Permaculture (permanent – culture)
is a creative and artful way of living, where people and nature are all preserved and enhanced by:
• thoughtful planning, • the careful use of resources,
• and a respectful approach to life.
Thus embraced, these attributes create an environment where all may thrive for
untold generations.
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Within a Permaculture designed system:
• wastes become resources • productivity and yields increase • work is minimized • and the environment is restored.
History and logic demonstrate:
To have a ‘permanent-culture’ you must have a ‘permanent-agriculture’.
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Humus content of native prairie soils? 10-13%
Humus content necessary to sustain soil life? 3%
Humus content of commercially farmed soils?
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And What of Carbon Cycles?
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About 2 inches of soil blew away from cropland in Kansas during the winter of 1995-96. That's the equivalent of 263 tons of topsoil per acre. (6 semi-truck loads / acre)
March 20, 2006 The Cornell University Chronicle
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The 4-Headed Dragon on Industrial Agriculture
1. Soil Depletion and Loss
2. Alteration of Hydrological Cycles – Desertification
3. Contributing to CO2 + Little Carbon Sequestration
4. Pollution of Streams and Aquifers (nitrogen & …cides)
A Fifth Crisis Looming…
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Over a third of all the oil and gas consumed in Over a third of all the oil and gas consumed in the U.S. is used for food productionthe U.S. is used for food production
(from seed to plate).(from seed to plate).
The food on the average American plate traveled The food on the average American plate traveled over 1500 miles to get there.over 1500 miles to get there.
It takes
10 cal. of oil
To produce
1 cal. of food
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Consumption over last 100 YearsConsumption over last 100 YearsWE have used up about:WE have used up about:Half the topsoilHalf the topsoilHalf the oilHalf the oilHalf the rainforestsHalf the rainforestsThird of all natural gasThird of all natural gasThird of all coalThird of all coal
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Goal of Permaculture DesignGoal of Permaculture DesignReverses the CONSUMPTION model Reverses the CONSUMPTION model
into a CREATION model. into a CREATION model. Build the topsoilBuild the topsoil Produce the energy we consumeProduce the energy we consume Re-Grow the rainforests (and others)Re-Grow the rainforests (and others) Create sustainable communities and citiesCreate sustainable communities and cities Possibly Retard/Reverse global warming Possibly Retard/Reverse global warming Improve everyone's standard of living Improve everyone's standard of living
(quality of life)(quality of life)
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“The systems by which we live today are simply, non-sustainable.”
Bill Mollison
Bill Mollison David Holmgren
1978
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Permaculture is really about relationship, our relationship as humans to the world around us.
The Question Is…
Will (do) we work with the natural abundance and flows of our world and universe…
…or will (do) we ignore these?
Permaculture Ethic1. Care of Earth (life)
2. Care of People (everywhere)
3. Share all Surplus (no waste or pollution)
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Henry BrockmanEureka, IL
Successful organic vegetable farmer on 10 acres.
15 Years.
“It’s About Relationship”
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Harvest an average of
$25,000 worth of:
-Lambsquarter-Ramps
(wild leeks)-Wildflower Seed-Red Amaranth
(pigweed)
…each year.
All growing wild on their farm.
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Jon Haeme’s Strawbale Home
Consumes 90% less energy (from the grid or LP gas) compared to the average
American home
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The Haeme’s Strawbale Home
The walls are almost two feet thick and have a rounded feel to them.
The home is incredibly energy-efficient with its south-facing
windows that let in light and heat in the winter.
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Planted on this berm: Gooseberry, Currants, Raspberry, Strawberry, Onion, Green Beans, White Clover and Comfrey.
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- Permaculture Design Seeks to - - Permaculture Design Seeks to -
Provide for Our Current NeedsProvide for Our Current Needs
Bring Decency and Dignity to all PeopleBring Decency and Dignity to all People
Assure Abundance for Future GenerationsAssure Abundance for Future Generations
Repair the Damage to our PlanetRepair the Damage to our Planet
Reverse/Retard Global WarmingReverse/Retard Global Warming
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The Good News Is: Nature will work with us.
What services are these trees providing?
•Harvesting sunlight & CO2
•Replenishing the atmosphere with H2O and Oxygen
•Holding water on the Landscape
•Building soil
•Creating habitat for many other life forms
•Moderating heat and cold
•Cooperating with other species
•Self-replicating
•More…64
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Permaculture is about RelationshipPermaculture is about Relationship Sun & SoilSun & Soil Water & AirWater & Air Plants & Animals Plants & Animals Ourselves and OthersOurselves and Others
We can create abundance for all.We can create abundance for all.
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““For what is the use of a home, For what is the use of a home, if you haven’t got a tolerable planet if you haven’t got a tolerable planet
to put it on?”to put it on?” H.D. ThoreauH.D. Thoreau
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‘…a new reverence for life…’
Care of People---
Care of Planet---
The dream of the heart…
George Washington Carver
It time for us to step forward from adolescents to adulthood.