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Please Get Behind Our Efforts to Demonstrate Sustainable Development and Relief for Chile Quake/Tsunami Victims
Aid Projects, Building, Community Projects, Conservation, Demonstration Sites, Developments, Eco-Villages, Education Centers, Energy Systems, Networking Sites, News, People Systems, Rehabilitation, Society, Village Development, Waste Systems & Recycling, Water Harvesting — by Grifen Hope
Editor’s Preamble: Permaculturists famously endeavour to ‘turn the problem into a solution’. At the moment we have a tremendous opportunity to apply this principle in wonderful, productive ways in disaster-hit Chile. The quake-tsunami combo that hit on February 27, 2010 has created a void just begging for sustainable relief and re-development. Grifen Hope, who writes below and who leads out at Ecoescuela El Manzano, a partner organisation to the Permaculture Research Institute, is well positioned to fill that void with all kinds of permaculture goodness – in the form of low-cost environmentally friendly buildings, improved sanitation and nutrient cycling through construction of composting toilets, water harvesting systems and in education in home garden design, etc. Grifen’s already established and successful project and his national contacts make this a particularly significant opportunity, to not only directly help people in great need at this time, but to also offer more holistic and community centred alternatives to local and national government – alternatives with far greater short and long term potential than those offered by the scores of contractors seeking to cash in on misery. PRI Australia feels so strongly about assisting Grifen with his noble ambitions, that we’re putting forward the first AU$1,000 donation. Both PRI Australia and PRI USA are taking donations for this cause (people in the U.S. will want to donate through PRI USA, to take advantage of their tax-exampt non-profit status). In the interests of transparency, PRI USA will take 5 percent of donations to cover administration and the work that had to be done to facilitate the legal aspects of sponsoring this project – but that 5% will help PRI USA develop its own projects). PRI Australia will pass 100% of donations to the project in Chile. Additionally, as we feel this work deserves significant exposure, and as we seek to ensure that valuable permaculture relief work gets noticed at the highest levels, to attract further governmental support for future disasters worldwide, PRI Australia and myself (Craig Mackintosh) will share the costs for myself to go to Chile to cover and report on Grifen’s work via photographs, writing and video. I would like to take this opportunity to ask people to get behind this in whatever way they can. Donations, large or small, will all assist in what is the very best form of aid work. Perhaps ask your employer to match your donation – many will. Additionally, people with contacts in government, aid agencies and other NGOs are invited to share this page with them. Thanks in advance to the worldwide permaculture community for getting behind this work. You never know – in the future you may be the recipient of such assistance.
| Donate via PRI USA (USA residents)* Other non-paypal methods of donating here |
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| Donate via PRI Australia (rest of world)* Other non-paypal methods of donating here |
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| *Please be sure to click on the ‘Add special instructions to seller’ link, and then type ‘CHILE’ in the field provided, to ensure these fund are correctly diverted. | |
El Manzano in Transition – Towards Community Resilience, by Design
by Grifen Hope of Ecoescuela El Manzano
Comments (0)Posted on: March 19, 2010
Permaculture & Detroit’s Urban Agriculture Movement: What is Done, Not What is Said
Uncategorized — by Rhamis Kent
A million thoughts are racing through my head as I prepare for my upcoming trip to Detroit to teach a PDC next month. I’m hoping to develop relationships with those leading the urban agriculture movement in what many call "America’s first post-industrial city". This undertaking is hugely significant for the global permaculture movement, in general – and America, in particular.
Well over 80% of Detroit’s population is African American – the demographic most severely impacted by the economic disruptions seen most recently. With the collapse of the automotive industry, the city’s unemployment rate is officially 30% – although many say real unemployment is easily in the 50% range. The burgeoning urban agriculture movement that has emerged in its wake has been a revelation. However, it hasn’t been without its problems.
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How to Mix Plaster or Cob Efficiently Without a Tarp
Building — by Scott Howard
by Scott Howard, Earthen Hand Natural Building
Why, you might ask, would anyone want to mix material without a strong tarp? In Mali, where I worked recently, there are actually no good tarps at all. The best ones will rip in a day, so we have to use the ‘old’ way of mixing cob and plaster. This is a step by step explanation of how to do this.
Comments (0)Posted on: March 18, 2010
Earthbag Dome Intensive Course, April 10-20th, Puerto Rico
Building, Courses/Workshops — by Scott Howard
Come learn Earthbag Dome building in only ten days at Las Casas de la Selva, a biological research site in Patillas, Puerto Rico. We will build a small, 13 foot dome and begin plastering it. This course is hosted by Patty Boyko of Las Casas, who is an activist and researcher. Scott Howard, of Earthen Hand Natural Building, will be the instructor.
A 10% discount is available to anyone who brings another person to the workshop. Group discounts are 20% per person for groups of four or more.
Also, please let us know if you are interested in working for us and we might be able to find some way for you to trade your skills.
Scott Howard has taught Cob and Earthbag building since 1999 and 2003 respectively. His experience with diverse climates such as Thailand, Africa, and the US gives great perspective for education in permaculture building methods.
An intensive course like this one is the best way to get your hands in the dirt and see how it is done. Participants will be able to build their own domes after this workshop.
Click here to find out more and to book!
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Permaculture Aid Worker’s Best Friend
Aid Projects, Tools — by eric seider
field tested
Now I will begin by saying I have no affiliation with Leatherman so don’t go thinking I’m getting any sort of kickback by writing this. I just happen to think they make a very useful tool. Of course if they want to send me some free samples to test I wouldn’t say no.
I was given my current leatherman as a gift and didn’t realize how usefult a gift it was until I was in Jordan working on the Jordan Valley Permaculture Project. Living in the 1st world aka the OD world (over developed) one might not realize how useful a tool like this can be. When you have a myriad of tools at your disposal, or a fully stocked hardware store around the corner it might remain a bit of a novelty. But when you’re on a project or out in the field with little to no resources this little trooper might make the difference in getting the job done at all.
Click for more…
Posted on: March 16, 2010
Indoor Vegetable Garden with Topsy Turvy Planters and Window Boxes
Food Plants - Annual, Food Shortages, Nurseries & Propogation, Plant Systems, Urban Projects — by Matthew Trotter
One cool product that I’ve had the pleasure of using is the Topsy Turvy Upside-Down Tomato Planter. (Note: I’ve since stumbled up on DIY version of this product made with 5-gallon buckets. How cool is that?) It’s kind of an experimental product as is, and I was using it in an even more experimental way. I got the Topsy Turvy so that I could utilize the vertical space in my indoor container garden. Not being able to grow a garden would have been the bane of my college dorm room existence…. but I wasn’t about to let someone tell me that I couldn’t do it.
Comments (0)Posted on: March 9, 2010
Morocco PDC Update (for April 17-30, 2010) – Let’s Get Behind This!
Aid Projects, Community Projects, Courses/Workshops, Education Centers — by Andy Homer
Editor’s Note: A couple of months ago we advertised (on PRI Australia’s blog and course listings) the exciting opportunity to take a Permaculture Design Certificate course (PDC) in an amazing location, and with an excellent permaculture instructor, and where in doing so you’ll be supporting impoverished locals to begin to take charge of their future in a sustainable way. We bring this to your attention once more, and encourage all who can to support this very worthy endeavour by booking now! The climate, culture and instructional quality will make it the experience of a lifetime, and a major additional bonus is it’s all bundled up with that warm fuzzy feeling you get from helping make a difference.
As the time for our design certificate course in Morocco draws near, we have plenty of local people, and some from Warsangeli in Somalia. Warsangeli is a Sultante of peaceful people unfortunate enough to be surrounded by war. Supplies are difficult to get in and people are starving, and drinking dirty water. Permaculture could solve the food and water problems very well.
Current circumstances mean we could not open up courses in Somalia to international students, but a Warsangeli organization in london has secured funding and wants to work with us to spread permaculture there. Inviting a few people from Warsangeli to our course in Morocco would enable us to make much better progress over there.
We do not have enough paying students yet to make the course viable. We’ve been told that many people leave it until the last minute to book, so please, if you’re coming on this course, let us know as soon as possible so that we can confirm it with the African students.
Spring is an ideal time to be doing the course in Morocco, as the weather is fine and warm. This is a wonderful opportunity to get qualified and make a massive difference to the lives of many people by helping us promote permaculture in two areas where there is almost no knowledge of it. (Starting to sound like a missionary!) A lot hinges on the success of this course. As an incentive we will waive the price increase for late booking.
Comments (0)Posted on: March 5, 2010
Permaculture Samoa – Part III
Aid Projects, Community Projects, Courses/Workshops, Demonstration Sites, Education Centers — by Tamlyn Magee
Editor’s Note: This is the latest update on the Samoa Matuaileoo Environment Trust Inc. (METI) premaculture project. Previous updates here, here and here. Way to go Tamlyn and all involved!!
Information is the critical potential resource. It becomes a resource only when obtained and acted upon. - Bill Mollison
There is a moment, according at least to Geoff Lawton, when a permaculture student becomes ‘terminal’; forever destined, perhaps, to spout interesting (to some, anyway) facts/theories about ducks and lofty (but totally do-able) plans for future garden designs and/or the ‘edible meadow’, all the while flicking off light-switches everywhere and drying seaweed on the clothesline in between those telltale permaculture dreams….
Well, I can’t say for sure at this stage that we have any new terminals among the 18 students who just completed the first ever Permaculture course in Samoa, (and I dare say the Samoan incarnation of a permaculture addict might differ on specifics) but I definitely saw familiar sparks in a few eyes over the last 2 weeks, which means at least – they are infected!
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Sustainable Vocations Training
Courses/Workshops — by Warren Brush
Taking applications now for summer intensive program at Quail Springs Permaculture Farm
Sustainable Vocations prepares youth (ages 15-24) for diverse leadership roles that integrate sustainability into their communities, and provides an experiential introduction to green jobs.
Comments (0)Posted on: March 4, 2010
Tsunami Warning
News, Village Development — by eric seider
- why is the guy running towards the wave?
At 6:00 am the tsunami warning sirens starting going off, waking me up.
I laid there for a moment contemplating what the sirens might be for. For some reason leaning towards tsunami warning probably because of the signs around stating that you are entering a Tsunami Evacuation Zone. Needless to say when I realized it was stil dark out I started getting confused, then I heard someone calling my name and upon opening my tent Todd preceded to explain to me that we were indeed having a Tsunami warning because of an earthquake off the cost of Chile. And that we were going to have to evacuate.
Comments (0)Posted on: March 3, 2010
April Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) Course in Detroit, Michigan, USA
Courses/Workshops — by Killian OBrien
Date: April 12-25
The Permaculture Design Certificate course is an internationally-recognized, seventy-two hour course resulting in a Permaculture Design Certificate. It provides an introduction to permaculture design as set forth by movement founder Bill Mollison. The course is taught Rhamis Kent, with Geoff Lawton appearing via live stream and video as Special Guest Instructor, and other permaculture and/or sustainability educators.
The PDC serves as foundation for further permaculture work and study and is a prerequisite for the Diploma in Permaculture Design, offered through The Permaculture Institute. Credit for this course is now accepted by a growing number of universities around the world.
To date, thousands of permaculture designers worldwide have been certified in PDC courses, and now comprise a global network of educators, ecological activists who influence major corporations, individuals creating new business alternatives and groups of committed people working together to change the way we view and design into our landscapes.
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The Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC)
Courses/Workshops, Education Centers, Society — by Jesse Lemieux
Jesse Lemieux is a full time permaculture educator and design consultant, operating from Denman Island BC. He teaches a range of different permaculture based workshops and course, drawing on practical experience that spans 10 years and 3 continents. He is always on the look out for the next garden project or chance to share experience. If you would like to contact Jesse please send him a message: jesse (at) pacificpermaculture.ca
What is needed to design a sustainable human society full of abundance and security for all living systems? Information, empowerment and ethics. The Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) teaches students how to use information, resources and ethics to meet local needs on a limited land base. There are no "bad guys" and nothing is inherently evil. It is the designs of the systems we use that are the problem. A large machine can be used to bring down a forest, or it can be used to repair damage and degraded landscapes. In the same way, I can either use a hammer as weapon, or to build a house for a friend. The difference in outcome is one of intention and design.
Posted on: February 22, 2010
Permaculture Strategies for Tropical Drylands
Courses/Workshops — by Nichole Ross
The Permaculture Research Institute USA is offering a 4-day course on Permaculture Strategies for Tropical Drylands. The course runs February 18-21 on the Island of Molokai, Hawaii.
Join seasoned Permaculturist, Joe Kennedy for an opportunity to learn time-tested strategies for managing tropical drylands. We’ll work on six acres of his 25-acre farm on Molokai’s drought-prone west side. We’ll cover everything from water harvesting techniques for drylands, drip tape irrigation systems, creative mulching, small-scale aquaculture, natural compost teas, planning and implementation of a food forest, introduction to plant cloning using the air-layer method, cooking in a Hawaiian Imu and much more!
The cost is $395-$450 (see course description for details). Special discounts for Molokai residents. To register, visit www.permacultureusa.org/courses.
For questions, contact nichole.ross (at) permacultureusa.org
Comments (0)Posted on: February 15, 2010
Pathways to Re-Localisation with Joel Salatin
Courses/Workshops — by Owen Hablutzel
December 9-11, 2009
Orella Ranch, California
“May your children rise up and call you blessed!”
We begin where an exuberant Joel Salatin ended his two-day Pathways to Re-localization intensive; by declaring a simple benediction with far-reaching implications. The environment both outside and inside the large tent housing this event has been highly dynamic, refreshing, and bold. Sweeping swells and pulses of much needed rainfall have been pattering the rooftop these past two days. Aromas of moist leaves, air, earth, wood, and clothing are rampant. But Nature’s sweet wet furies outside have been unable to drown out the warm deluge of Mr. Salatin’s charismatic speaking inside. And like the droughted California soils outside, finally filling their pore spaces with the delicious torrent, the minds of course participants are just as vigorously imbibing the information deluge inside, drinking in everything from practical farming techniques to food issues, farm-scale marketing, and the philosophy of re-localization. The rain event will produce a flush of strong growth in the Mediterranean climate here. And we can predict likewise that Mr. Salatin’s far-reaching ‘intensive’ will produce an abundant proliferation of essential and inspired re-localizing activities from coast to coast and beyond. It is in a world made local and resilient once more through such a strategy that children may indeed rise up and call us all blessed.
Comments (3)Posted on: February 10, 2010
Bill Mollison and Geoff Lawton Team Up for Melbourne PDC Again! (Sept. 2010)
Courses/Workshops — by Tagari
For full details on this excellent opportunity to take your Permaculture Design Certificate course under the combined tutelage of legendary Permaculture teachers, Bill Mollison and Geoff Lawton, please click on the links below (all PDF files):
This information can also be found in PRI Australia’s course listings.
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