Permaculture is an ethics based design principal, making agriculture more sustainable by symbolically caring for the earth, people and sharing resources.

The design of a permaculture system uses the existing natural environment to grow and produce food without the use of harsh chemicals, plowing or expensive farm machinery.

It is nature's version of ecologically sustainable agriculture and can be adapted to any land with minimal cost. It uses less labor and water than traditional agriculture. As a result of using permaculture practices, food production increases as the plant varieties are adapted to the specific climate and seasons. Permaculture can be used by anyone and anywhere.

Benefits of Permaculture:

  • Abundant food production

  • Year round food source

  • Easily adapted to any land

  • No chemicals

  • Less labor

  • Less water

  • Soil regeneration

  • No machinery required

  • Improves the state of the surrounding flora and fauna environments.

Three Ethics of Permaculture:

Permaculture is centered around three main ethics. Ethics are the moral principals that govern a person’s or group’s behavior. So this can be said, these are the three main behaviors of permaculture. 

1. Care of the Earth

We depend on the earth to live. Without us, the earth would live, with us, the earth pays the price. Caring for the earth includes acting in responsible mother nature way. Caring for all plants, animals, land, water, air, living and on non living matter.

2. Care of People

Taking a responsible action towards caring for the greater community. As Health Cote said “caring for the people means meeting people's needs so that people's lives can be sustained and have a good quality of life as well but without damaging the earth.” 

3. Return of surplus to Earth and people / Fair Share

The final ethic of ‘Fair Share’ means consuming only what you need. The earths resources are limited and need to be shared amongst many people. Permaculture looks at sharing the resources fairly amongst the people, land and plants whilst taking into consideration the needs of water, housing and food for the future generation.