Permaculture - The One Straw Revolution
What is Permaculture?
Permaculture is a design system for creating sustainable human environments. The word itself is a contraction not only of permanent agriculture but also of permanent culture, as cultures cannot survive for long without a sustainable agricultural base and land use ethic. On one level, Permaculture deals with plants, animals, buildings, and infrastructures (water, energy, communications). However, Permaculture is not about these elements themselves, but rather about the relationships we can create between them by the way we place them in the landscape.
The aim is to create systems that are ecologically sound and economically viable, which provide for their own needs, do not exploit or pollute, and are therefore sustainable in the long term. Permaculture uses the inherent qualities of plants and animals combined with the natural characteristics of landscapes and structures to produce a life-supporting system for city and country using the smallest practical area.
Permaculture is based on the observation of natural systems, the wisdom contained in traditional farming systems and modern scientific and technological knowledge. Although based on ecological models, Permaculture creates a cultivated ecology, which is designed to produce more human and animal food than is generally found in nature.
Ways in which we can implement Earthcare Ethics
» Think about the long-term consequences of your actions. Plan for sustainability.
» Where possible use species native to the area, or those naturalized species know to be beneficial. The thoughtless introduction of potentially invasive species may upset natural balances in your home area.
» Cultivate the smallest possible land area. Plan for small-scale, energy-efficient intensive systems rather than large-scale, energy-consuming extensive systems.
» Be diverse, polycultural (as opposed to monocultural). This provides stability and helps us to be ready for change, whether environmental or social.
» Increase the sum of yields: look at the total yield of the system provided by annuals, perennials, crops, trees, and animals. Also regard energy saved as a yield.
» Use low-energy environmental (solar, wind, and water) and biological (plant and animal) systems to conserve and generate energy.
» Bring food growing back into the cities and towns, where it has always traditionally been in sustainable societies.
» Assist people to become self-reliant, and promote community responsibility.
» Reforest the earth and restore fertility to the soil.
» See solutions and opportunities and not problems.
» Work where it counts (plant a tree where it will survive; assist people who want to learn).
Permaculture at Lotan
Kibbutz Lotan strives to integrate the principles of Permaculture in its communal and economic endeavors. As a kibbutz it belongs to the International Network of Eco-Villages; it bases its association on the fact that it applies ecological ideals in its daily life, it has an element of spirituality as it is a Progressive religious kibbutz, and by its very definition is an intentional community.
The kibbutz framework offers an ideal vehicle to fulfill a multi-generational sustainable community. Lotan's organic agricultural efforts confront local issues such as intense sun, soil salinity, and water quality as the major challenges for implementing polyculture as opposed to monoculture.
Lotan's Center for Creative Ecology program of Community Supported Agriculture is a means to encourage direct contact between the consumer and the grower, localizing agriculture. The Center's efforts in recycling/compost, and alternative/natural construction are additional examples of localizing and using renewable resources to tread lightly on the environment. Lotan has undergone a shift from working against its desert surroundings to adopting dynamic solutions and creative thought to living more in harmony with its environment.
Contact Lotan Center for Creative Ecology
Mark Naveh
lotan-ecocenter@ardom.ardom.co.il
Tel: +972 8 6356811; +972 8 6356935; +972 54 9799033
Toll free (while in Israel): 1800 2000 75
