Permaculture Enriches Our Communities

What is permaculture?

Put very simply, permaculture is a holistic and practical system for sustainable living and regenerating the earth and communities. It’s based on observing principles and patterns that occur in nature, helping us to see living systems and our communities as interconnected--it’s about working with nature, not against it. We use permaculture as a framework to design and guide our communities.

We envision our communities as ecosystems and examine how the different components of our communities can be better integrated.

Permaculture differs from sustainable community planning in that it seeks to integrate sustainable elements like water catchment, renewable energy, district heating, food growing, waste recycling, and transportation into a whole system that operates efficiently and optimally.

Elements and benefits of permaculture.

Edible landscaping and a community garden can be tended by residents, providing a significant contribution to daily nutritional needs while fostering connections between neighbours.
Permaculture gardening is a holistic approach centred on whole systems thinking—it uses the patterns and resilient features that occur in natural ecosystems.
It allows for a larger diversity of beneficial species in the gardens and community land
It helps rehabilitate damaged lands—permaculture is not only sustainable but regenerative, too.
It uses the least amount of land for the production of food when compared to standard agriculture. It involves shared resources and shared maintenance/operation of those resources to help reduce the various demands on our busy schedules by spreading out responsibility.
It helps connect us to the relationship of all things—nature, other humans, the land, weather, animals, our food, and much more.
Homes use renewable materials, renewable energy, on-site food production with shared community garden, edible landscaping, and more
Communities can choose to pool resources like vehicles, a laundry room, tools, workshops, shared meals and more.
It naturally promotes community, fosters multi-generational connection, and reduces isolation for individuals and families.
Permaculture limits consumption and redistributes surpluses.
Uses renewable energy technologies to limit the consumption of fossil energy for space/water heating and power.

Permaculture offers a pathway to a positive transition beyond sustainability to resilient communities.