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Why We Do Things the ‘Hard Way’
WHY WE DO THINGS THE “HARD WAY”
When I grew up my parents wanted me to have everything that they did not. Having lived through World War II, they wanted my belly to always be full and they gave me as much as they could (which is of course greatly appreciated and understood!) Over the past 30-40 years I have seen materialism escalate to the social disease it is now. The problem now is that we as parents can no longer offer our children a better future than we had unless things change drastically. Kids are now said to not be able to live longer (in years) than their parents anymore. The world is sicker, more polluted and resources are running out. What future is there for our children?
It is said that each person in the Western World has on average 100 – 150 slaves working for them (in the form of fossil fuel). And that is beside the low paid workers that make all our “stuff”, who may as well be slaves for the returns they get for their labour.
…click on the above link to read the rest of the article…
A Simpler Way: Crisis as Opportunity
Below, you can find the trailer, the full documentary, as well as a re-run of the full interview with Nicole. I haven’t had time to watch the documentary, just got the mail from Sam, but I will later today. No doubt, it’ll be worth your while and mine. I remember complimenting them on the sound- and picture quality of the interview last year. Plus, get the likes of our dear friend Dave Holmgren together with Nicole and Ted Trainer, amongst others, and you can’t very well go wrong, can you?
(NOTE: Saw some rushes, and it may contain a tad much hippieness and/or reality-TV semblance for some)
The trailer:
The overlapping economic, environmental, and cultural crises of our times can seem overwhelming, can seem like challenges so great and urgent that they have no solutions. But rather than sticking our heads in the sand or falling into despair, we should respond with defiant positivity and try to turn the crises we face into opportunities for civilisational renewal.
During the year of 2015 a small community formed on an emerging ecovillage in Gippsland, Australia, and challenged themselves to explore a radically ‘simpler way’ of life based on material sufficiency, frugality, permaculture, alternative technology and local economy. This documentary by Jordan Osmond and Samuel Alexander tells the story of this community’s living experiment, in the hope of sparking a broader conversation about the challenges and opportunities of living in an age of limits.
…click on the above link to read the rest of the article…
Perennial Vegetables and the Other Reasons You Should Consider Them For Your Garden
PERENNIAL VEGETABLES AND THE OTHER REASONS YOU SHOULD CONSIDER THEM FOR YOUR GARDEN
However, what I’ve noticed in my experience with introducing other people to the practice and perennials is that the change isn’t always so welcomed. At the last farm I was on, building a demonstration garden, the owner was only very interested in prototypical annuals despite a wealth of the perennial possibilities we were planting. Working with NGOs, I’ve realized that, while people are excited about growing more food, the idea of introducing something new to their diets isn’t nearly as inspired. Instead, the expectation seems to be that we will be growing the same old corn and bean staples, making the need for nutritional and culinary education an equally important aspect for a permaculture project to succeed.
WHY PERENNIALS ARE SOMETIMES A HARD SELL
In theory, planting perennials would be something that people would latch onto. They are less work. They require less resources. They are better for the stability of the soil, helping to prevent erosion while maintaining a network of soil life beneath the surface. They extend harvests, often producing crops earlier and later than annuals can do. They make great, productive, living fences, trellises, shade and animal habitats.
…click on the above link to read the rest of the article…
What if Permaculture Was Taught in Schools Everywhere?
WHAT IF PERMACULTURE WAS TAUGHT IN SCHOOLS EVERYWHERE?
What if there was a curriculum series for all children and young adults to learn permaculture?
What if it was the holistic context for all the other courses they took in school?
Imagine living in an urban area where you pay for your trash to be taken away – this is actually common; imagine returning home from 3rd grade with a bag of oyster mushroom inoculated substrate in a little baggy to mix with your household paper and cardboard waste, to turn it into mushrooms and spent substrate, and then, using worms mixed with kitchen scraps, into compost for the balcony or community garden. Imagine what it would be like to end that cost for your family & to turn it into rich soil for growing food in the garden.
It would be like magic. You’d probably want to grow up to be a mycologist. If you also recognized it as sequestering carbon and fighting climate change, you’d likely, as any 3rd grader would, want to help setup the rest of your extended family with the same advantageous system which would in turn be even more empowering. Imagine if we gave this opportunity to all children right now in the world, what kind of generation of people would that create?
When I took Geoff Lawton’s online permaculture design course (’14), I instantly wanted to share all the information I was receiving with my family but had nothing tailored to them. Since I was a full time teacher with a masters degree in education writing curriculum daily at a charter school, I felt obligated, so with Geoff’s encouragement and promise to look it over before I went public, I started writing The Permaculture Student 1 textbook and workbook. I wrote it to be readable by everyone from middle school on up.
…click on the above link to read the rest of the article…
Friday Five: Obama, Snowden and PDC?
FRIDAY FIVE: OBAMA, SNOWDEN AND PDC?
Let’s jump right in:
World-changing: Are President Obama, Edward Snowden, Steph Curry, Taylor Swift, and Donald Trump all coming to our next Permaculture Design Course?
Worldwide water shortage? That certainly seems to be the dominant narrative. But permaculture suggests otherwise, that there is only a shortage of design understanding of how many times we can repurpose water: The longest path, the longest time, the most beneficial life connections and mechanical action, all extend the potential of water.
Worth checking out: For a A DIY chicken tractor, a “ChickShaw,” or anything else related to chickens, you have to love what one of my students, Justin Rhodes, is doing on his farm in North Carolina. Brilliant, funny, down-to-earth, and a daily video from someone who is living the permaculture dream.
Absolutely beautiful. Brett Pritchard, a permaculturist since 1991, put together something that really caught my eye: A 21 card set of the original permaculture ethics and principles. Many of the illustrations were painted by one of Bill Mollison’s daughters, Frances, and the entire set is free to download.
California, Saudi Arabia, and dairy? Again, water and “California’s crisis” are the connection between this strange trio. But perhaps we’ve defined the California water crisis in a fundamentally incorrect way…
…click on the above link to read the rest of the article…
Abundance From Small Spaces
ABUNDANCE FROM SMALL SPACES
I called my presentations ‘The Answer Lies in the Soil.’ And it does.
First of all, though, we need air and water. Without these two things, we can’t live today. So clean air, and clean water in sufficient quantities are pre-cursors of sustainable human life. However, for long-term survival, we need soil. Not just any old soil: we need enduring well – nourished and nourishing soils which just keep getting more and more fertile. In fact, soil is demonstrably the true foundation of civilisation. That is ¬ fertile, accessible, living soil.
For soils to feed us well they need themselves to be fed well.
THE ANSWER LIES IN THE SOIL
SOIL AND LIFE – NEGLECT IT AT OUR PERIL
We neglect soil at our peril. Within historical memory (i.e. written records) Syria was a forest kingdom, Iraq the birthplace of agriculture and Libya the bread¬basket of the Roman Empire.
I expect anyone reading this will be familiar with the essential components of soil:
● Mineral fraction (sand, silt, clay)
● Humus
● Air and water
● Adequate soil structure to admit and retain these
…click on the above link to read the rest of the article…
DIY Antibiotics
DIY ANTBIOTICS
Watch this short 2:31 video by backyard food production expert and author Marjory Wildcraft on DIY antibiotics.
Most people will want to do this in their backyards, on a patio, or rooftop. No, you won’t need a laboratory or chemistry set. No, you won’t need microscopes or chemicals. Nope, you won’t even need a spectrum analyzer or centrifuge. You won’t even need a degree in biochemistry or organic formulations.
This particular antibiotic not only helps boost your immune system for any time you have an infection, but it is also good for when you have a cold, it’s known to help lower cholesterol and high blood pressure, it’s been known to help balance blood sugar, fight cancer, and fungus. Yet it is completely natural.
Marjory will host a free online event from March 7th – 13th, which features 30 backyard farming experts who will reveal secrets to growing your own gorgeous organic fruit, vegetables, herbs, wildflowers, livestock, even bees all in your own backyard!
Nature Did It First (and Best).
NATURE DID IT FIRST (AND BEST).
Aquaponics are a very interesting development in the world of permaculture and offer some great benefits and advantages. Let’s take a look at hydroponics and aquaponics to see what they offer, and how aquaponics functions in comparison to hydroponics.
Hydroponics – the ingenious and highly optimized system of growing plants in water. Commercially available nutrients provide all that is needed for the reservoir and after these nutrients have been added the growing begins. This is really great for those who want to hit the ground running.
Careful attention needs to be paid when adding elements to the system though as it needs to be completely sterile. This sterile system uses a flood and drain technique allows for fertigation (fertilization and irrigation at the same time) and optimal water as well as nutrient levels. Of course, there are many supplements available to maintain the perfect nutrient levels, for the right price.
As previously mentioned, absolutely everything that comes in contact with a hydroponic system must be sterilized in order to ensure that pythium, otherwise known as root rot, doesn’t take hold and destroy one’s plants. This fungus is an absolute scourge in hydroponics. The temperature of the system needs to be kept below 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything above that temperature and the root rot will have a prime environment.
Regular dumping of the water makes sure that the nutrient imbalances that inevitably developed are controlled. There is eventual build up of the nutrients that are supplied in mineral form, and this needs to be balanced out again. This is tested by checking for electrical conductivity in the water due to all the salts and minerals added. Dumping this water can be tricky if there isn’t a safe and convenient location though.
…click on the above link to read the rest of the article…
How to Turn a Piece of Land Into a Thriving Project?
HOW TO TURN A PIECE OF LAND INTO A THRIVING PROJECT?
Three years ago this month a client asked me to help him transform his land into an eco-tourism project and self-sufficient home. The land is located in fascinating Turkey, overlooking the Marmara Sea.
In this article, I share the highlights of the process and outcomes of two months of intensive work applying Permaculture design in a beautiful but challenging spot. I summarise the birth and first steps of Alişler Yurdu, which has evolved into a pioneering, sustainable and inspiring project.
Read on to see an example of how degraded land in the Mediterranean can be healed, become biologically productive and transformed into a Permaculture paradise.
Alişler Yurdu has demonstrated that, in just three years, regeneration is realistic and affordable, and that, through harmonious Permaculture design, self-sufficiency, autonomy and even abundance can be reached. At Alişler Yurdu we have designed and supported ecosystems, built resilience, effectively enhanced biodiversity and productivity and much more.
HERE ARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF HOW WE DID IT:
1. FIRST THINGS FIRST: NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF INVISIBLE DESIGN
One of my biggest learning and observations from my experience building, developing and managing projects in different places (including Panya and Rak Tamachat in Thailand) is that one of the main contributing factors to the success of a project is having clear and concise goals and vision. This is essential and greatly contributes to joyful and streamlined development.
Having crystal clear goals and vision is fundamental for any project. Most of you surely agree with this statement, but you would be surprised to know how often this part of the design is overlooked and ‘sacrificed’ for the sake of ‘saving time’. It might be clear in your head but bringing it together and reflecting and refining it is very powerful.
…click on the above link to read the rest of the article…
Voluntary Frugality
VOLUNTARY FRUGALITY
Coincidentally, when I picked up the book, I’d already begun writing on this very topic but had come to find myself stumped as to whether or not it was simply blowing smoke or something of relevant substance. Well, if Holmgren is anything, it’s substance, so I renamed my article with his words, got back on the high horse, and continued with what I had to say, perhaps with a little more assurance and little more insight. The result is something that I hope is of value to other permaculturalists looking for more ethical and responsible pathways to happiness and relative abundance.
For the better part of the last two and a half years, my wife Emma and I have been traveling around, volunteering on farms. At times, we’ve earned meager salaries doing odd jobs that were offered to us, nothing we sought out or needed, per say, for just as often we’ve simply exchanged about twenty hours of labor each week for room and board. Though the situation has not padded our bank accounts in any way whatsoever and, in fact, at this point our clothing is all a little more tattered over backs that are certainly more labored, the experience has still been more than worth it.
…click on the above link to read the rest of the article…
Mulching With Purpose and Precision
MULCHING WITH PURPOSE AND PRECISION
To be completely honest, I have been a crazy advocate of mulching, especially when people with modern gardens invariably ask what I think they should do to improve their plots, but I am not always the most productive of mulchers…mulchsmiths…mulchmen. I’m lazy, simply throwing down whatever organic matter is on hand, and perhaps, in my defense, this has been because I’m doing my best to use what’s on site. Despite having had success with my devil may care method of mulching, I know it’s not actually the best way, that just as different plants require different inputs, different mulches deliver different goodies. So, while I know my mulchful ways are a good practice, I’ve decided it’s time to start practicing them better.
A GENERAL RULE OF GREEN THUMB
For me, and I think many fellow permaculturists, the idea of mulching with inorganic materials—those popular plastic sheets particularly—is simply not part of my MO. I’ve also come across the idea of using shredded car tires, which I, of course, appreciate in its repurposing but ultimately would not choose for my gardens.
…click on the above link to read the rest of the article…
A Global Wiki of Perennial Crops, Polycultures, and Food Forest Sites
A GLOBAL WIKI OF PERENNIAL CROPS, POLYCULTURES, AND FOOD FOREST SITES
The Apios Institute is a collaborative network of farmers, gardeners, and researchers focused on integrated perennial-crop agroecosystems (variously known as multistrata agroforests, tropical homegardens, food forests, and forest gardens).
Since 2007 we have worked to address these key needs on our site, a crowdsourced tool featuring perennial crops, polycultures, and food forests. Thus far our focus has been on humid temperate systems, but we are raising funds to expand to a global resource. At the same time we’ll be implementing a major overhaul of our site. This will include the open-access addition of the 700 perennial crop species from Eric Toensmeier’s forthcoming book The Carbon Farming Solution.
Please visit our campaign site and consider making a contribution or sharing our video.
WHO WE ARE AND WHY WE’RE DOING THIS?
Our goal is to transform agriculture and mitigate climate change. We believe we can do this while providing food and other products through the creation of agroecosystems that function at the highest level of biodiversity and ecosystem services – the “epitome of sustainability.”
The Apios Institute, the organization running this campaign, exists to share experience and information about perennial crop polyculture systems in all climates of the world. The Apios Institute works through a collaborative network of farmers, gardeners, and researchers, sharing inspiration and filling critical knowledge gaps regarding the design and management of these systems.
Our current Wiki has worked for thousands of people in cold climates — but it is incomplete. Many people around the world have asked us to expand to include other climates.
…click on the above link to read the rest of the article…
David Holmgren Interview on Permaculture, Energy Descent & Future Scenarios
DAVID HOLMGREN INTERVIEW ON PERMACULTURE, ENERGY DESCENT & FUTURE SCENARIOS
An interview with David Holmgren, questions by Samuel Alexander, a lecturer with the Office for Environmental Programs and research fellow at the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute (MSSI), University of Melbourne. He also co-directs the Simplicity Institute. This is the full length interview from the upcoming documentary A Simpler Way: Crisis as Opportunity http://facebook.com/asimplerway
This interview is a great opportunity to hear David’s latest thoughts on permaculture, energy descent, retrofitting the suburbs, and future scenarios. Only small parts of the interviews we’re filming with thinkers and activists will make it into the documentary, so we’ve been releasing the full versions to YouTube because they’re an important resource for provoking discussion on these issues.
Ancient Origins of Agroforestry, Polycultures, and Permaculture As We Know It
ANCIENT ORIGINS OF AGROFORESTRY, POLYCULTURES, AND PERMACULTURE AS WE KNOW IT
Ironically, permaculture’s methods are cutting edge in comparison to the dull spade of today’s large scale monoculture–but, the roots extend far beyond what either blade can reach.
Indeed, as Sepp Holzer demonstrated himself, anyone who observes nature for long enough, and adjusts their methods to ensure the best outcome as far as ecosystem health, abundance of harvest, etc will come to similar conclusions.
Without knowing it, Holzer developed and implemented techniques that unintentionally fell under the qualifications of permaculture and polyculture. He was even contacted and asked if he would like to define his methods as such, so universally compatible were they with the emerging set of permaculture philosophies. His book, Sepp Holzer’s Permaculture, A Practical Guide to Small-Scale, Integrative Farming and Gardening, details his observations and methods in depth.
ANCIENT ORIGINS OF AGROFORESTRY AND POLYCULTURES
But as stated before, this synchronicity doesn’t hearken to the collective innovation of these modern times. I’ve been doing some research, and the knowledge is actually quite ancient–just ask indigenous peoples from around the world, who have traditionally practiced techniques of agroforestry and other polycultural land management practices for many generations.
Humans around the world, particularly indigenous cultures, have practiced permaculture methods for tens of thousands of years. Today’s permaculture as a movement is certainly neatly packaged and understandable for contemporary urban audiences. However, diverse indigenous cultures hold within their oral traditions tomes of place-based polycultural knowledge, attained over observation, trial and error over the course of at least tens of thousands of years. Additionally, the indigenous cultural ethic of community and planetary stewardship is responsible for the permaculture methods we seek to proliferate today.
…click on the above link to read the rest of the article…
The Differences Between Commercial and Organic Honey Can Help You Find Your Sweet Spot
The Differences Between Commercial and Organic Honey Can Help You Find Your Sweet Spot
For thousands of years, honey has been widely used for both nutritional and medicinal purposes. Over 300 varieties are available in the United States alone. These range from those that are nearly colorless and bland tasting, to strains offering rich brown hues, robust with flavor. However, many store-bought honeys are processed, removing much of the pollen content.
While preserving pollen is attainable simply by using a coarse filter and minimal heat to sift bee parts, wax and hive debris, recent scientific research is throwing out some very sticky questions: Can products containing little to no pollen still be called honey? Does bee pollen really matter?
As it turns out, the answer is both yes and no.
WHY BEE POLLEN STILL MATTERS
Health, definition and identity are the central issues to understanding why these tiny flower grains are of vital concern. First, many believe that bee pollen contains nutrient-rich properties that promote good health. Second, pollen is what defines honey. Third, pollen is honey’s DNA that allows its source to be identified.
HEALTH
Contrary to widely held beliefs about pollen’s powerful health benefits, ongoing scientific studies have shown that its quantities in the product are insufficient to have any meaningful nutritional value. According to Dr. Lutz Elflein, a honey analysis expert with an international food laboratory, amounts range from about 0.1 to 0.4 percent. Similarly, a 2004 study by the Australian government found the percentage of pollen in 32 Australian canola honey samples ranged only from 0.15 percent to 0.443 percent.
Another 2012 study by the National Honey Board analyzed vitamins, minerals and antioxidant levels in raw and processed varieties. The study revealed that commercial processing significantly reduced pollen content, but did not affect its nutrient content or antioxidant activity. The results led researchers to conclude that the micronutrient profile of honey is not associated with its pollen content and is unaffected by commercial processing.
…click on the above link to read the rest of the article…
