![]() Anything that continues to give is better than something that only gives once. This is common sense and such things should be valued. Horses often come to mind when you think of a renewable resource that is also a service. The old Depression saying of “reuse, recycle, or do without” exemplifies this concept of getting out of the consumerism rat race. Necessity is the mother of invention and you will be surprised with the things you can achieve with what you already have. An ugly sweater can be unraveled and knitted into a coat for winter goat babies or a pair of mittens. There has been a resurgence of recycling and creative upcycling with the derision of consumer culture and the fact most of us don’t have a lot of extra money to spend on unnecessary things. It requires a change in mindset. With permaculture, this comes in the form of perennial plants instead of annuals, and food forests that provide food over the entire season. Many medicinal plants are perennials. Such practices allow us to get out of the consumer cycle and be less dependent on non-renewable, less sustainable resources. Plowing creates a nutrient flush that plants can use and grow quickly. Once. But it swiftly depletes soil so it has to be artificially renewed with chemical fertilizers. You pay for speed and the excessive nutrient use with soil strength, fertility, and your own money because you have an added cost you wouldn’t have had if you didn’t plow. A more renewable option, such as intercropping with legumes, is not as environmentally or monetarily expensive. Physics and experience tell us that every action has a complete and opposite reaction. If you want everything now, you will pay for it. Excessive control comes at an equally excessive cost. Permaculture values those things that give over time and are not quickly exhausted. It saves time, money, and peace of mind knowing that you will not be suddenly bereft. Comments are closed.
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Rebecca Burrow
I am a Christian permie designer trying to spread the word about Christian land stewardship through permaculture. I like goats a lot. Maaaaaaaah. Archives
September 2016
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Burrow Permaculture Consulting | Permie Blog |