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Definition:

Permaculture (permanent – culture)

is a creative and artful way of living, where people and nature are all preserved and enhanced by:

• thoughtful planning, • the careful use of resources,

• and a respectful approach to life.

Thus embraced, these attributes create an environment where all may thrive for

untold generations.

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Within a Permaculture designed system:

• wastes become resources • productivity and yields increase • work is minimized • and the environment is restored.

History and logic demonstrate:

To have a ‘permanent-culture’ you must have a ‘permanent-agriculture’.

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Humus content of native prairie soils? 10-13%

Humus content necessary to sustain soil life? 3%

Humus content of commercially farmed soils?

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And What of Carbon Cycles?

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Humus = SpongeWas 13% …now it’s 1%

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66

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About 2 inches of soil blew away from cropland in Kansas during the winter of 1995-96. That's the equivalent of 263 tons of topsoil per acre. (6 semi-truck loads / acre)

March 20, 2006 The Cornell University Chronicle

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“Collapse” by Jared Diamond

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The 4-Headed Dragon on Industrial Agriculture

1. Soil Depletion and Loss

2. Alteration of Hydrological Cycles – Desertification

3. Contributing to CO2 + Little Carbon Sequestration

4. Pollution of Streams and Aquifers (nitrogen & …cides)

A Fifth Crisis Looming…

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Over a third of all the oil and gas consumed in Over a third of all the oil and gas consumed in the U.S. is used for food productionthe U.S. is used for food production

(from seed to plate).(from seed to plate).

The food on the average American plate traveled The food on the average American plate traveled over 1500 miles to get there.over 1500 miles to get there.

It takes

10 cal. of oil

To produce

1 cal. of food

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August 2005

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Consumption over last 100 YearsConsumption over last 100 YearsWE have used up about:WE have used up about:Half the topsoilHalf the topsoilHalf the oilHalf the oilHalf the rainforestsHalf the rainforestsThird of all natural gasThird of all natural gasThird of all coalThird of all coal

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Goal of Permaculture DesignGoal of Permaculture DesignReverses the CONSUMPTION model Reverses the CONSUMPTION model

into a CREATION model. into a CREATION model. Build the topsoilBuild the topsoil Produce the energy we consumeProduce the energy we consume Re-Grow the rainforests (and others)Re-Grow the rainforests (and others) Create sustainable communities and citiesCreate sustainable communities and cities Possibly Retard/Reverse global warming Possibly Retard/Reverse global warming Improve everyone's standard of living Improve everyone's standard of living

(quality of life)(quality of life)

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“The systems by which we live today are simply, non-sustainable.”

Bill Mollison

Bill Mollison David Holmgren

1978

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Permaculture is really about relationship, our relationship as humans to the world around us. 

The Question Is…

Will (do) we work with the natural abundance and flows of our world and universe…

…or will (do) we ignore these? 

Permaculture Ethic1. Care of Earth (life)

2. Care of People (everywhere)

3. Share all Surplus (no waste or pollution)

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Chicken Tractor

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How a Swale Holds Water on the Landscape

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2828Mark & Jen Shepard’s farm 14 years ago when purchased.

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Henry BrockmanEureka, IL

Successful organic vegetable farmer on 10 acres.

15 Years.

“It’s About Relationship”

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Kris & Marty TravisSpence Farm, Fairbury, IL

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Harvest an average of

$25,000 worth of:

-Lambsquarter-Ramps

(wild leeks)-Wildflower Seed-Red Amaranth

(pigweed)

…each year.

All growing wild on their farm.

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Rickard Farm – OhioRotational grazing doubled grass production and restored health to soil.

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Jon Haeme’s Strawbale Home

Consumes 90% less energy (from the grid or LP gas) compared to the average

American home

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The Haeme’s Strawbale Home

The walls are almost two feet thick and have a rounded feel to them.

The home is incredibly energy-efficient with its south-facing

windows that let in light and heat in the winter.

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Harvesting rain water inour new

Rain GardensBill and Becky Wilson

Home of Midwest Permaculture

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Planted on this berm: Gooseberry, Currants, Raspberry, Strawberry, Onion, Green Beans, White Clover and Comfrey.

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How many gallons of water come off of a 2,000 sq.ft. home during a 1” (inch) rain?

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Permaculture Greenhouses that grow food 365 days/year on renewable energy.

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Wayne Weiseman in Kano, Nigeria, Feb.2007

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- Permaculture Design Seeks to - - Permaculture Design Seeks to -

Provide for Our Current NeedsProvide for Our Current Needs

Bring Decency and Dignity to all PeopleBring Decency and Dignity to all People

Assure Abundance for Future GenerationsAssure Abundance for Future Generations

Repair the Damage to our PlanetRepair the Damage to our Planet

Reverse/Retard Global WarmingReverse/Retard Global Warming

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The Good News Is: Nature will work with us.

What services are these trees providing?

•Harvesting sunlight & CO2

•Replenishing the atmosphere with H2O and Oxygen

•Holding water on the Landscape

•Building soil

•Creating habitat for many other life forms

•Moderating heat and cold

•Cooperating with other species

•Self-replicating

•More…64

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The Question Is:

Will we work with nature?

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Permaculture is about RelationshipPermaculture is about Relationship Sun & SoilSun & Soil Water & AirWater & Air Plants & Animals Plants & Animals Ourselves and OthersOurselves and Others

We can create abundance for all.We can create abundance for all.

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““For what is the use of a home, For what is the use of a home, if you haven’t got a tolerable planet if you haven’t got a tolerable planet

to put it on?”to put it on?” H.D. ThoreauH.D. Thoreau

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‘…a new reverence for life…’

Care of People---

Care of Planet---

The dream of the heart…

George Washington Carver

It time for us to step forward from adolescents to adulthood.

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Work like you don't need the money.Love like you've never been hurt.

Dance like nobody's watching.Sing like nobody's listening.

Live like it's Heaven on Earth.

Each of us can be a part of a change that is possible… Bill Wilson – ©MidwestPermaculture.com