Permaculture....is Rache just making up words again?

[Rachel Butler]

I confess... I am a nerd. If someone asks me what something is, especially while I have internet access, I may pull the old "let me Google that for you" trick. The truth is, the very first time I heard the word permaculture was only a few short months ago. Oh the rush of excitement... to learn a new word!! One so new even my spell check doesn't recognize it.

In short, permaculture is a term coined by Australians Bill Mollison and David Holmgren during the 1970s. Permaculture is a contraction of permanent agriculture. It is an ethical design system applicable to food production, land use and community building which seeks sustainable ways of living.

Sometimes definitions, like this one, don't really give the word its due. There is power in a name, and permaculture is no different. More than some dry text book explanation, permaculture has a holistic appeal that can apply to all facets of life. The pulsing heart and life of permaculture circles around a core set of values. (nice listing courtesy of wikipedia)

• Earthcare – recognizing that the Earth is the source of all life, that Earth is our valuable home, and that we are a part of Earth, not apart from it.
• Peoplecare – supporting and helping each other to change to ways of living that do not harm ourselves or the planet, and to develop
  healthy societies.
• Fairshare (or placing limits on consumption) - ensuring that Earth's limited resources are used in ways that are equitable and wise.

I am currently enrolled in permaculture classes here in Austin with Dick Pierce. It is a 10 week course that culminates with the presentation of our permaculture outdoor environment designs. The classes are without a doubt the most fulfilling I have ever attended. I have learned so much and look forward to sharing it with you all! Dick also has a winter series of talks each Thursday night at 7 PM at Habitat Suites in Austin.

For information on permaculture classes contact: Jenny at [e-mail] or Dick at [e-mail].

Love you all!
Using my powers for good,
Rache

[Sharabella Fini]

What a wonderful step you have taken; pursuing to learn even more on how to build a meaningful relationship with the earth, community and oneself.
I think it should be a mandatory course in schools!