Problems are just opportunities waiting to be discovered

Permaculture is not about problems. Permaculture is about joy and abundance. Instead of focusing on what one needs to remove in order to feel “green”, one looks at what one can do to make their life more rich and effective while being local and sustainable (remember sustainable is not just about the environment…. what is sustainable for you means what you can afford money and time wise as well as what is good for the environment).

When approaching the world through the lens of permaculture you must be positive and proactive. Adjusting your thinking is the first step so that you can react to issues differently.

Normal Reactions to today’s challenges:

-      Denial “what problems?”

-      Defer “future technology will fix it.”

-      Instant gratification “quick fix without permanent change”

-       Global “this problem is larger than me, I can’t do anything about it”

Permaculture Focused Reactions:

-       Redesign “how can we correct the system?”

-       Substitute “what can we do instead?”

-       Lifestyle “how can I change myself, my place to make an impact?”

-       Grassroots “what can I do where I am?”

This thinking is born out of the Ethics of Permaculture:

-       Care for people

-       Care for earth

-       Create/share/sell surplus

-       Intrinsic value of all living things

-       Reduce consumption

As always, remember that permaculture is not an all or nothing approach…educated yourself, then take what you want and apply it.

Happy Thinking,

Kate Higdon
Landscape Designer and Certified Permaculture Designer
Perfect Lawns and Landworks