One of the things that separates permaculture from other design frameworks and philosophies for sustainable living is that it is based on clearly defined ethics. These set the boundaries for what is permaculture and what isn’t. There are three main ethics:
Earth Care
Permaculture is based on natural solutions and working with nature, not against it. Seeking to create self-balancing ecosystems and building soil health and fertility as far as possible rather than using artificial fertilizer or weed suppression, for instance. Instead of chemical weed suppression, permaculture practitioners may use mulch or other covers to suppress unwanted growth. The quote by Bill Mollison, one of the founders of permaculture: “You don’t have a snail problem, you have a duck deficiency” is another example of the same mindset.
People Care
Permaculture is human-centric, and based on the intrinsic value and rights of people. Just as permaculture works with and not against nature it works with and not against people. The focus in permaculture is on self-reliance. On working locally with the community to produce what it needs, rather than relying on impersonal commerce and consumption. And to lead by example and take responsibility for yourself and your loved ones: Crafting a sustainable life for yourselves rather than trying to stop others from living unsustainably.
Fair Share / Future Care
Permaculture is based on stewardship of the limited resources our planet holds. Permaculture projects as a whole should always aim to build more resources than they consume. It’s important to be mindful of your footprint (ecological footprint: global hectares used, and carbon footprint) and not overuse or hoard resources: Especially fossil resources that cannot be replenished. And to share any excess and abundance you produce. For instance, in the domain of education: Share the solutions you find and plan for your succession. In agricultural production: share your excess with your local community and wildlife.
Learn more about permaculture ethics here Watch Andrew Millison explain the ethics. Watch out for that third tricky ethic! Read more about that here and here.