Off the Urban Grid

The Principles of Permaculture with Some Examples

When you hear the word “permaculture,” what comes to mind? If you have no idea what it means, it’s really just another word used to describe sustainable living. However, permaculture is more of the methodology for how homes, communities and cities can recognize and take into account the relationship between humanity and the environment. It works on a simple give and take or input and output equation, and in order to be sustainable, there needs to be a balance between these two concepts.

The three main principles of permaculture include the following: caring for the planet, caring for people and creating a fair way to share surplus resources. If you’re already trying to live off of the grid or at least make your lifestyle more eco-friendly, you’re probably incorporating common examples of permaculture in your life.

So what are some examples of permaculture?

Rooftop Gardens

When you live in a larger city such as New York City, there is limited yard space to plant a garden. An alternative is to grow one right on the rooftop of your building. Not only does this provide some green space for you to escape to, but it also can provide you with delicious vegetables. Rooftop gardens give cities what they’re lacking most: nature.

Rain Barrels

Water is a coveted resource, and in some areas, it’s close to impossible to come across clean water. If you’re tired of spending large amounts of money to water your lawn and wash your car, you’re not being careful to conserve your rainwater. This can be easily done with rain barrels, which you can setup so they catch rain rolling off of your roof. Then you can either purify and disinfect the water for drinking purposes or use it around your yard to hydrate your landscaping and garden or to wash your car.

Even composting is an example of permaculture. So really anything that you integrate into your life that works in harmony with nature is a sustainable choice.

Tags: examples of permaculture, principles of permaculture, rain barrels, rooftop garden