Permaculture is a holistic design science for creating sustainable landscapes, agriculture and human settlements. The word “permaculture” is a contraction of permanent and culture (also permanent agriculture). It is a method for creating sustainable ecosystems that mimic the wisdom and success of nature.
And for reference on what is considered sustainable:
“Sustainable is defined as a system which over its lifetime produces energy equivalent to or in excess of what it consumes.” – Bill Mollison, founder of permaculture.
“The aim is to create systems that are ecologically-sound and economically viable, which provide for their own needs, do not exploit or pollute, and are therefore sustainable in the long term. Permaculture uses the inherent qualities of plants and animals combined with the natural characteristics of landscapes and structures to produce a life-supporting system for city and country, using the smallest practical area.” – Introduction to Permaculture, Bill Mollison
Permaculture can be applied to all types of properties and homes, from the urban apartment with sunny patio, to the subdivision home on a 1/4 acre, or 10 acre homestead, 100 acre ranch and beyond.
Permaculture design principles and strategies can be used to develop or increase food production, increase overall sustainability, establish drought-resistance, reduce the need for costly material inputs such as store-bought fertilizer, reduce waste needing hauled away from property, develop a beautiful aesthetic for the property, and much more.
Additionally, homes can be retrofitted with appropriate tech for green homes that will improve air quality, reduce cooling and heating costs, conserve water usage, and more.
Derek Wolf, CEO and Co-Founder of Hemp and Block LLC, holds a certification in Permaculture Design as a graduate of the official 72-hour PDC course. For Derek, Permaculture and the natural building industry go hand-in-hand. He believes that hempcrete can play a vital role in Permaculture designs as a sustainable way to build healthy homes that last for generations. Likewise, applying Permaculture principles to the landscape surrounding that healthy hempcrete home is a match made in heaven.
Interested in learning more about what a Permaculture Design can do for you? Send a message through our Contact Form for more information. Service area for on-site Permaculture Design is concentrated on the Western Slope of Colorado (Ridgway, Ouray, Telluride, Montrose).