The Permaculture Podcast

Lori from Texas wrote in to ask if using an empty McMansion, a term used to describe large, indistinct homes often located on several acres of land, would be a good basis for an intentional community. My answer turned into a broader one of “What do we do with the Suburbs?”. Here are links for [...]

I recently gave a “What is Permaculture?” presentation and was contacted by one of the participants afterwards about a comment I made on using wood as fuel.  He then asked if I thought rocket stoves, a form of mass heater, would be used in Permaculture.  This episode is modified audio version of my response.  The [...]

This episode continues the exploration of David Holmgren’s 2nd Principle of Permaculture: Catch and Store Energy.  It is based on the chapter of the same name in his book Permaculture: Principles and Pathways Beyond Sustainability I look at both the small scale, which is the first thing I think of, including examples for our daily [...]

In this episode I look at David Holmgren’s Principle 1: Observe and Interact in more detail. It is based on my own experiences and reflection on the material presented in Permaculture: Principles and Pathways Beyond Sustainability. The discussion includes: The importance of observation in Permaculture. Admitting our own biases. Taking time to observe. Interacting when [...]

In upcoming episodes I want to explore David Holmgren’s 12 Principles of Permaculture in more detail.  As Principle 1 is Observe and Interact, here are some exercises you can use to help expand your awareness and become of more practiced observer.  Most only take a few minutes to try and you can do them at [...]

Note: This early episode is at a low volume. You’ll need to turn it up. It will be re-recorded as time permits. In this episode I share some thoughts on what to include in a Permaculture library, including three main categories with some title suggestions in each one. Permaculture Gaia’s Garden by Toby Hemenway Permaculture: [...]

Note: This early episode is at a low volume. You’ll need to turn it up. It will be re-recorded as time permits. Permaculture Design Courses: Permaculture Institute PDC Where: Costa Rica. When: Permaculture Design Course: February 19 – March 5, arrive on February 18 and leave March 6. There are two days off. Optional Practicum: [...]

Note: This early episode is at a low volume. You’ll need to turn it up. It will be re-recorded as time permits. This episode looks at how to examine a resource and the impact we have on it and it has on the environment by using Bill Mollison’s 5 categories of resources and their use: [...]

Note: This early episode is at a low volume. You’ll need to turn it up. It will be re-recorded as time permits. In episode 9 I look at two emerging Zones in Permaculture: Zone 00, the inward self, and Zone 6, the wide world. I touch on where they fit in the larger world of [...]

Note: This early episode is at a low volume. You’ll need to turn it up. It will be re-recorded as time permits. In this episode we explore the Permaculture concepts of the Zones (areas of influence), Sectors (inputs), and Vectors (liabilities). Zones are divided into 6 different areas, numbered 0-5 which designates the areas of [...]

Note: This early episode is at a low volume. You’ll need to turn it up. It will be re-recorded as time permits. In this episode I look at the Permaculture Design Course and give a quick rundown of what material you can expect to cover in the class. I also share what my experience in [...]

Click Here to Download Episode 6 We finish up David Holmgren’s 12 principles of Permaculture by looking at Principles 7-12, which give a top-down view of design.  Again, this is an overview of the ideas with some examples included. For a more detailed look, pick up his book Permaculture: Principles and Pathways Beyond Sustainability. Those [...]

Note: This early episode is at a low volume. You’ll need to turn it up. It will be re-recorded as time permits. In today’s episode I review the first 6 of David Holmgren’s 12 Principles of Permaculture.  These are from his book: Permaculture: Principles and Pathways Beyond Sustainability The 6 principles covered today are: Observe [...]

Note: This early episode is at a low volume. You’ll need to turn it up. It will be re-recorded as time permits. In this episode is a discussion of Bill Mollison’s 5 Principles of Permaculture. They come from Permaculture: A Designers’ Manual. They are: Work With Nature Rather than Against It The Problem is the [...]

Note: This early episode is at a low volume.  You’ll need to turn it up.  It will be re-recorded as time permits. Todays episode covers the Prime Directive: The only ethical decision is to take responsibility for our own existence and that of our children. And the Three Ethics: Earth Care People Care Setting Limits [...]