Environmental Activism with Permaculture

Permaculture began with the intention of addressing the issue of sustainable food production and a transition from reliance on industrialised agriculture. This has now evolved into a deeper philosophy. The philosophy of permaculture is based on practical principles informed by ecology, earth services, indigenous and traditional wisdoms, technology and design sciences and human creativity. It’s fundamentally grassroots, an international movement of practitioners, designers and organisations into a fully operative network. Though not overtly recognised in mainstream society, permaculture has motivated change in government decision makers by its practical application and success evidenced by individual and group projects. A wide range of alternative economic solutions have been promoted and initiated through permaculture including LETS (Local Energy Transfer System), farmers markets and organic farming.

As most of the impact of permaculture has been greatest in rural areas and less visible in major cities, the role of community gardens is changing this trend. This is because permaculture ethics and principles can guide the work of planners, regulators and developers to produce sustainable solutions to current problems with water, waste, transport, energy and food supply. Though, according to Grayson (2010), there are only a few examples of successful small businesses that have developed from the permaculture concept. Due to the decentralised structure of permaculture its power and influence are diffused and is practised mainly within the community sector of society. The design system’s success, its most successful adoption, has been as an approach to sustainable living at the community level but this focus has instead being rather influential in social and political decision makers.

The apparent lack of a political critique and understanding of the role of socio-economic systems in ecological destruction has been met by permaculture principles. As permaculture contributes to a deeper understanding through systems analysis, it can contend with socio-political dimensions to implement projects. Despite the lack of scientific assessment in permaculture’s effectiveness either in terms of productivity or ecological protection, or the difficulty in assessing its impact in quantitative terms, its success has been expressed in human well-being and happiness. This answers why we have an obligation to the environment, as nature’s welfare is inextricably linked with our own and thus tackling these obligations. These are expressions that are inherently unquantifiable. Unquestionably, combining the qualities of various environmental philosophies has enabled people participating in permaculture projects to enjoy the benefits of self-liberation and self-development which will see its role becoming more valuable in time.

Reference: Grayson., R. (2010). Why so little influence in social decision making?. Pacific Edge. Available (Online): http://pacific-edge.info/permaculture_influence/.