Permaculture Design

Permaculture is a Design Science that applies Natural Patterns and Ethical Intentions to create long-lasting and productive systems that provide our essential needs; starting with water, food and shelter.

Through the Ethical Intentions of caring for the Earth and its People and sharing surplus resources necessary for survival, we can develop resilient communities well equipped to deal with and stabilize climactic and economic fluctuations.

Originally a derivation of Permanent agriculture, Permaculture has evolved to deal with all aspects of life on Earth. The idea is to design systems so that they are the most productive with the least amount of inputs. Through thoughtful observation, a design is arrived at that most fits the needs of all involved. Mother Nature is the Model: Design for Regeneration.

Permaculture offers a unique perspective on current challenges faced by humanity like global warming and food and water shortages. The problem is the solution: we can effectively deal with many of the calamities caused by poor planning and consumptive development by turning negative situations into positive opportunities.

A design begins by taking an assessment of the Needs and Resources of a community. Needs are defined as that which humanity necessitates for survival. Working from most important need on down; we start with water, food and shelter. We can create an action plan for providing these needs through those resources already available, or by creating new sources. By mimicking Nature, we design systems that are flexible and diverse.

Loren Luyendyk is a Certified Permaculture Designer and Consulting Arborist with 10 years experience in sustainable development.

Visit Loren’s Website