You’ve probably heard discouraging remarks about the state of our planet, nature, and all its inhabitants. However, few people talk about the actions we can take to reverse the situation (or at least improve it). That’s why we find it important to bring permaculture to the forefront.
In this article, we’ll explain what permaculture is, its origins, and its main benefits.
What is permaculture?
Permaculture is a technique that involves creating agricultural ecosystems in a sustainable and self-sufficient manner. In other words, it’s about observing nature and how it works, then applying the same principles to human agriculture. It’s becoming increasingly popular in France, where it’s seen as a viable alternative to conventional agriculture and mass consumption.
Permaculture is a way of acting, not just a theory. The term originated in the 1920s, from the contraction of 'permanent agriculture,' but it wasn’t until the 1970s that permaculture gained traction thanks to the books by David Holmgren and Bill Mollison.
Contrary to what one might imagine, permaculture isn’t limited to land and plants. It’s a coherent way of acting in terms of housing, technology, collective decision-making, health, and education.
Its ethical principles involve working with nature, not against it, and recognizing that everything affects everything else.
Permaculture is, above all, an indispensable tool that offers us a new paradigm on which we can build better foundations for life on this planet. But most importantly, it offers hope to those who feel demoralized.
The 4 Main Benefits of Permaculture
An Alternative to Industrial Agriculture
Conventional or industrial agriculture is an artificial production system based on the consumption of certain external elements such as fossil fuels, herbicides, pesticides, and chemical fertilizers. These elements are often very polluting and have harmful effects on the planet, leading to the destruction of habitats for many living organisms.
Permaculture replaces this system: it rehabilitates degraded soils left by conventional agriculture through crop rotation and the promotion of diversity. This way, the soil is regenerated with increasingly productive, autonomous, and resilient plants, and pest control becomes more effective.
It also restores missing nutrients in the soil and reduces the need for herbicides and pesticides. As a result, it produces healthy organic food that conventional agriculture does not.
Permaculture Reduces Pollution
Permaculture contributes to reforestation and fosters cooperation among farmers to make agriculture more sustainable and efficient.
It focuses on obtaining renewable energy and storing it, thus producing less waste.
In terms of products used, conventional agriculture relies on artificial pesticides and fertilizers that destroy almost everything. Thanks to permaculture, which is much less harmful to soils and living beings, this problem is resolved. Agricultural practices in permaculture, such as mulching, composting, polyculture, and crop rotation, help reverse the harmful effects of conventional agriculture.
Sustainable and Responsible Use of Energy, Water, and Soil
By studying the land dedicated to cultivation, the living species that inhabit it, and the weather conditions, permaculture takes examples and encourages the use of interrelationships between these elements for cultivation.
This observation of the land provides crucial information about the climate, microclimates, prevailing winds, slopes, wet and dry areas, soil quality, wildlife, and more.
Once observations are made, the goal is to see how these can generate resources. This way, you can capture rainwater, create energy from the sun or wind, or use natural predator species effectively.
Better Organization and Planning
Through observation and prioritization of your needs and desires, you’ll be able to organize yourself better. You’ll be able to make better decisions regarding your crops, plant selection, and tools.
Planning your permaculture space while keeping the three fundamental principles of permaculture in mind—caring for the earth, caring for people, and sharing resources fairly—will help you structure your plantings and organize yourself better.
Applying Permaculture on an Individual Scale
But then, questions may arise: What can I do on an individual level? How can I implement this system in my garden’s cultivation? What are the benefits of its application?
No matter where you live, you can always apply some permaculture strategies at home.
Here are some good practices to adopt...
Using Natural Resources
Your garden isn’t an isolated place; it’s part of a whole. Birds, insects, worms, roots, and even seeds and pollen will enter your space and serve a particular function. Take them into consideration and respect them as much as possible.
Orient your garden near windows and in a sunny spot; sunlight is essential for your plants. You can also collect rainwater for watering. The principle of no waste is one of the foundations of permaculture, so use dead leaves, straw, and organic waste to create rich compost. Make the task easier with our wooden composters! You’ll find them in various sizes to suit your needs.
Observation and Use of Garden Elements
Observe carefully the elements you can use: the terrain, soil, sun, wind, water, plants.
Observe their behavior in the morning and evening, across different seasons. What type of soil do you have? What temperature range does your region experience? What is the quality of sunlight at different times of the day?
One of the fundamental principles of permaculture is the observation and respect of nature.
Depending on the rainfall, it’s possible, for example, to reduce water consumption. Moreover, with our water storage containers, you can save water and time, thanks to their independent irrigation system.
Adapting to All Types of Environments
Stop thinking that just because you live in an apartment without a terrace, you can’t have a garden. With our planters and flower stands, you can grow flowers on your balcony or terrace without needing large spaces (we invite you to read our article "Creating a Balcony Garden").
Making the Most of Space
Make the most of the space you have: with our products like raised garden beds or planters, you’ll make even small spaces shine. And with trellises, you can grow your garden vertically, saving even more space. That’s also permaculture.
By following these tips, you can apply the principles of permaculture on a personal scale and contribute to the planet’s sustainability while creating a healthy and productive environment for you and your community.
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