Oct 04

Permaculture … Greening the desert (video)

Garden, Optimization, Permaculture, Property Design, Sustainability, Urban Agriculture No Comments »

Permaculture was first discussed by Franklin Hiram King in 1911 to capture the essence of Permanent Agriculture … agricultural practices which can proceed indefinitely.

Permaculture is Optimization in the design of food garden systems.

Over the decades, the ideas were refined as a result of careful observation of natural processes and functions of ecosystems. The modern, ’standard’ concept of Permaculture can be attributed to Bill Mollison, considered the ‘father’ of the movement and David Holmgren.

I’ll describe Permaculture in increasing detail in subsequent blog posts.

For now, this video is an excellent primer, and provides a basis of knowledge to understand the ‘wholistic’ thinking from a Whole Systems mindset.

Here are some links:
http://permaculture.org.au/ The main permaculture organization; Australia.
http://www.permaculture.org/nm/index.php/site/index/ ‘Sister’ organization; USA.

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Sep 07

Making best use of what we already have: Optimization (Part 1)

Biomimicry, Dynamical Systems, Optimization, Permaculture, Principles, Urban Agriculture, Urban Transformation 1 Comment »

To truly resolve our ecological/social issues it is imperative to seek to make the best use of what we already have: we need to seek Maximum Optimization/Utilization of existing assets/resources (knowledge, skills, capabilities, etc.).

In doing so, we inherently seek (move toward) minimizing waste … minimal emissions, pollution, cost, etc.

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Honestly, do we make effective use of what we already have?

Consider: why would we think we’re going to effectively use any new ‘invention’ or technology, if we don’t currently make best use of what we already have?

Doesn’t this call into question the focus of national governments’ efforts into the R&D into new ‘technologies’ (specifically: ‘green’ – clean tech; efficiency; emissions; alternative energy; etc.)?

How can we honestly expect any new technology to ’save us’ from the problems wrought by the inappropriate or inefficient use of existing technologies?

Without a culture/mindset of optimization/utilization, isn’t it likely that we’ll merely use any new invention inappropriately and inefficiently?

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Sep 06

Economist article (Aug. 31,’09), on the resilience of nature.

Biomimicry, Dynamical Systems, Permaculture, Property Design No Comments »

An article in Economist about how nature is robust and resilient, and that ‘damaged’ ecosystems will ‘bounce back’.

This is controversial, to be sure, with lively debate in the comments from knowledgeable specialists. Well worth reading the article and the comments.

Of course, there are exceptions. Examples of damaged ecosystems that have not returned to their ‘natural’ state (Cod fishery off Newfoundland coast is cited, among others – and more in the comments).

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Aug 24

Property maintenance … is Planetary maintenance! (Part 2, of 3)

Ecological Economics, Permaculture, Principles, Sustainability, Urban Transformation No Comments »

Sadly, the present impression of property maintenance and landscaping is that they aren’t even considered professions. Rather, they’re simply jobs for those who can’t get ‘better’ employment.

Through any recent economic downturn, people can be heard saying that “they can always do landscaping” … implying it is their last choice; and, that it is so ‘easy’ and unimportant that anyone is qualified, regardless of knowledge/ability. This is insulting.

I recall the recession of the early ’90s, when it seemed everyone-and-his-brother had plans to start a landscaping business – often, they had no interest in eco/enviro issues or even gardening, let alone a deep respect of nature. Worse, for many a teenager/youth (almost exclusively male), a landscaping business was merely a means to justify/acquire a truck, and secure a bank loan for the purpose.

This is just plain wrong-headed.

We’re talking about the care-taking of the planet. Our home. Our only home.

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Aug 21

Property maintenance … is Planetary maintenance! (Part 1, of 3)

Ecological Economics, Permaculture, Principles, Sustainability, Urban Agriculture, Urban Transformation No Comments »

Our properties, collectively, represent ‘the planet’: therefore, property maintenance is planetary maintenance.

And so, we’re talking about the care of the planet, for heaven’s sake: property maintenance, then, deserves/demands the respect it is due … by becoming and being recognized as a highly regarded profession.

Our properties, then, present us with a unique, important and potentially vital opportunity.

A dual opportunity, in fact:  The opportunity to establish property maintenance as a new high profile professional industry, a true ‘green collar’ profession … and, in doing so, we can use the development of this new profession as the means of creating a new eco-mindset … a new eco-worldview.

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Aug 06

Problems: Challenges that present opportunities. (Part 3, of 3)

Permaculture, Principles, Urban Agriculture No Comments »

Our increasing global population, and growth of cities is certainly problematic.

Building on my comments in the original post, we must challenge ourselves to progress beyond the negative thinking; we must challenge the assumptions.

For instance, a growing population; cities of increasing size; decreasing agricultural land presents a serious challenge in feeding ourselves.

The challenge and opportunity in this case is to better utilize the assets/resources available to us. Specifically, the land available in terms of our collective properties/yards, and the technical knowledge of growing food.

‘Urban Agriculture’ holds enormous potential for producing a significant proportion of healthy food, locally.

Similarly, ‘Urban Transformations’ hold the promise of the future.

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