As permaculture becomes more popular here in North America, it is important to realize that it is more than a fad or simply another style of landscape design. As it slowly is accepted in places such as Asheville NC, permaculture clearly reveals what it is. An ethical practice, it alters the dominant approach to landscaping.
The Four Ethics of Permaculture
If a landscape company in Asheville NC adopts the permaculture approach to landscape design, it will adhere to the following four ethics of the practice:
- Earth Care: Those who practice permaculture believe in rebuilding and regenerating the health of the ecosystem.
- People Care: Landscape companies will treat all living entities with respect while taking care of self, kin, and community.
- Fair Share: When times are good and there is a surplus, share and invest in earth and people care.
- Aware(ness) of Limits: Do set limits to human consumption as well as reproduction – set limits to consumption and reproduction on this finite planet.
These four ethics form the basis of permaculture landscaping and design practices. form the foundation for permaculture design and are also found in most traditional societies.
Staying True
Permaculture is a concept slowly being embraced by many in North America. In Asheville NC, landscapers are slowly implementing permaculture. They see the benefits to the environment. It does require a shift in the long-standing perception of landscaping held by many companies and individuals. However, over time, it will prove its value in both small-scale gardens and larger landscape projects