Book Review: Introduction To Permaculture

Good morning folks.

I was beginning to think that I knew a lot about sustainability, but Introduction To Permaculture opened a whole new world for me. More than anything, it deepened my appreciation for the quantum intelligence of nature.

For a design professional who has studied and worked hard to learn as much as possible so that my designs would have depth, it is very humbling to learn about Permaculture, because I realize that compared to nature, all of my clever little ideas are nothing. The beauty of permaculture as a method for developing homesteads and communities is that it works in line with the natural order, not against it. It takes all of the elements of traditional agriculture – annuals, perennials, vegetables, fruits, trees, livestock and aquaculture – and arranges these these elements so they are interacting with each other to maximum effect. The book is not just for farm owners though. It is for anyone with any land, even apartment dwellers, who wants to make the most of their space in an organic, sustainable fashion.

Maybe the most attractive part of permaculture is the relative ease by which a developed system can be managed. While there is intensive energy and labor involved in creating a permaculture landscape, the end result can be a fully self sustaining food forest that provides for you, your family and some extra for the market. Now that is old school, and that is the way it should be done.

The author Bill Mollison first developed permaculture ideas in the late 60’s. The movement now has an institute devoted to its study, several books and many case studies. I can truly say that I have no idea why this planet is not following these principles already. Permaculture solves so many problems at once, not the least of which is how to make money. The end of the book provides some great ideas for making money through what is produced on your land.

Introduction To Permaculture is a great idea book, and I highly recommend it for everyone who is interested in sustainability.

Remember everyone, buy local or grow it yourself!

Love to all,

Millard