My son and daughter are growing up in a changing world, and my wife and I want them to be able to provide for themselves. That’s why we have explicitly set out a mission for ourselves to “meet our own needs while improving the ability of future generations to meet their needs”. This is based on a definition of sustainability, “to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” [1], but it goes a step further; we want it to be easier for our kids.
We don’t want to just sustain, we want to regenerate.
What defines regenerative practices? To be regenerative, a design must provide for human needs, improve natural systems, and use resources in such a way that the system continues into the future. Summarized as people care, earth care, and future care, these requirements define the ethics of permaculture. Permaculture is a design system, that is based in science, guided by ethics, and inspired by nature, to create a regenerative human habitat.
What does permaculture actually look like on the ground? It can look like a homestead with chickens, vegetable gardens, rainwater being captured off the roof, and a food forest of plums, gooseberries, hazelnuts, and so much more. Permaculture’s goal is to use what would be regarded as waste as a resource and provide for all of the needs of the system from within the system, so organic material is composted, “waste” water is utilized, and power comes from renewable sources.
But our mission extends beyond our immediate family to all future generations. So, we want to share the lessons we have learned, help others design regenerative systems that meet their needs, and build a community of abundance.
Together we can design a flourishing future for all.
Oasis Farmery 