Permaculture Principles
Permaculture is a design philosophy and system for designing regenerative human environments by working with, rather than against, nature. It integrates principles from ecology, agriculture, and community planning to develop self-sufficient landscapes and resilient ecosystems. By emphasizing biodiversity, soil health, water conservation, and closed-loop systems, permaculture seeks to mimic natural patterns and cycles to support both human needs and ecological balance.
01
Observe and Interact
Take time to carefully observe natural systems and patterns before making design decisions.
02
Catch and Store Energy
Harness and store energy (e.g., water, sunlight, biomass) for future use to build resilience.
03
Obtain a Yield
Ensure your efforts produce useful and sustainable rewards, whether food, resources, or community benefits.
04
Apply Self-Regulation and Accept Feedback
Adjust systems based on feedback to prevent waste, inefficiency, or long-term damage.
05
Use and Value Renewable Resources and Services
Prioritize natural, regenerative, and local resources over finite, extractive ones.
06
Produce No Waste
Design systems where all outputs are useful, upcycling waste into valuable inputs for other processes.
07
Design from Patterns to Details
Use broad natural patterns (like forest succession or water flow) as a guide before focusing on specific details.
08
Integrate Rather Than Segregate
Foster beneficial relationships between elements in a system to create resilience and interdependence.
09
Use Small and Slow Solutions
Favor gradual, manageable growth and local-scale interventions for long-term sustainability.
10
Use and Value Diversity
Incorporate diverse species, perspectives, and strategies to enhance stability and adaptability.
11
Use Edges and Value the Marginal
Recognize that the most productive and innovative spaces often exist at the edges of different systems.
12
Creatively Use and Respond to Change
Adapt and innovate in response to environmental and social shifts, turning challenges into opportunities.
