March 2025 Permaculture Newsletter
|
|
What is Permaculture? It’s more than just a design science—it’s a way of life. It’s the practical toolkit we all have at our fingertips to create real, lasting change in our homes, our communities, and the world. If the current state of the world leaves you feeling outraged, worried, or uncertain, remember this: You have the power to make a difference. The choices we make each day, no matter how small, add up to big change. Challenge yourself to cut out the waste. Bring reusable containers. Say no to packaged goods. Plant a garden, or if you already have one, expand it—or better yet, lend a hand to help your neighbors grow their own. Harvest rainwater, recycle your greywater, and share your knowledge. Organize a garden party, host a community BBQ, and build connections offline. Real change happens when we come together, share ideas, and support one another. The revolution starts at home, with the people you see every day. Get out there, make something happen, and let PINA guide you every step of the way.
Last month’s Permaculture Nursery Summit was nothing short of incredible! Over 600 passionate individuals joined us online to dive deep into the art and science of growing plants. How amazing is that? Each person represented a seed of change, ready to sprout and flourish within their own communities. There’s a powerful movement growing—people who not only want to produce their own food but also aspire to become true resources within their neighborhoods. And here at PINA, we believe that running a Permaculture Nursery is one of the most fulfilling and impactful ways to earn a living through permaculture. Imagine this: You make a living by nurturing plants that will, in turn, nourish others, provide shelter, and contribute to a regenerative world. There are no compromises to your integrity—just pure, honest work with Mother Nature by your side. It’s the kind of livelihood that feels right in your bones, knowing you’re helping to heal the planet, not fueling the systems that harm it. 🌻 Missed the Summit? No Worries! 🌻
💡 Pro Tip: Joining PINA as a Practitioner or Professional is not only cheaper than purchasing the summit on its own, but it also unlocks a treasure trove of resources, community connections, and ongoing education. It’s the smartest, most affordable way to immerse yourself in the permaculture journey.
A Farm-Focused Neighborhood?
Exciting news for the permaculture community! The Snohomish County Council recently approved the preliminary plat for Rooted Northwest’s innovative agrivillage in rural Arlington, Washington. This pioneering project, led by PINA member Dave Boehnlein and his wife, Yuko Miki, will transform 240 acres of farmland into a thriving, farm-focused neighborhood.
BE FEATURED IN THE NEWSLETTER Members, we want to highlight your work in our newsletter. Please email a project you’re proud of to communications@pina.in. PINA invites you to share content for a future edition of our newsletter! See an article or news item you think we should feature? Contact us to let us know. Turning Waste into Resource
In the pristine beaches of Mexico’s Caribbean coastline, an environmental challenge has transformed into a beacon of sustainable innovation. Sargassum, an invasive seaweed, has plagued these shores, disrupting tourism and raising health concerns. Yet, visionary entrepreneur Omar Vasquez saw potential where others saw a nuisance. In 2015, as sargassum inundated the Riviera Maya, Vasquez began experimenting with the seaweed, initially using it as fertilizer for his nursery business. This experimentation led to a groundbreaking development: Sargablocks—affordable, sustainable building bricks composed of over 40% sargassum and 60% other organic materials. These bricks require minimal energy to produce, needing just four hours of sunbaking compared to the weeks traditional clay bricks demand. With the capacity to produce over 1,000 Sargablocks daily, Vasquez has utilized this innovation to construct more than 40 homes in the Riviera Maya, nearly half of which have been donated to those in need, including single mothers and the elderly. The inaugural Sargablock home, aptly named Casa Angelita in honor of Vasquez’s mother, has stood resilient for over four years, enduring hurricanes and tropical storms. This success underscores the durability and viability of sargassum-based construction. Vasquez’s journey from a child who crossed borders at the age of eight to a pioneering entrepreneur embodies the spirit of the “Mexican Dream.” His vision extends beyond individual homes; he aims to establish a company in Mexico that offers equitable pay, ensuring that citizens can thrive without seeking opportunities abroad. By turning an environmental crisis into a sustainable housing solution, Vasquez exemplifies how innovative thinking and a commitment to community can drive meaningful change.
As permaculture education evolves, it’s crucial to assess whether current teaching models meet today’s learners’ needs. The traditional 72-hour Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) course has long provided a solid foundation in sustainable design principles. However, with new educational methods and technologies, is this model still the best approach? In “The Permaculture Classroom: A Systems-Based Approach,” Michael Becker highlights the benefits of integrating permaculture into everyday learning rather than keeping it as a standalone course. This approach fosters deeper, more contextual understanding. Similarly, Eco-Pioneers.org’s “Teaching Permaculture Interactively” emphasizes dynamic, hands-on teaching methods over traditional lectures, promoting active and experiential learning. While online courses offer flexibility, they may lack the immersive, practical experience of hands-on programs. In contrast, practice-based models allow learners to engage directly with the environment and community, enriching their understanding of permaculture principles. As educators and practitioners, how can we adapt our teaching methods to suit diverse modern learners? Is there value in hybrid models that blend online theory with real-world practice? We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences at our next PDC Teacher Wisdom Exchange* this April. Let’s explore how we can evolve permaculture education to better serve our communities and the planet.
*Open to PDC Teachers only.
Welcome to our Newest Allied Organization
We are thrilled to welcome the Global Ecovillage Network United States (GEN-US) as PINA’s newest allied member. As the current publisher of Communities magazine, a leading resource on intentional communities since 1972, GEN-US provides valuable insights and information to those interested in cooperative living. Individuals can engage with GEN-US by subscribing to Communities magazine, contributing articles, or participating in their various programs and initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable lifestyles.
Permaculture Week: March 22-29
Get 20% off all membership levels in celebration of Permaculture Week (March 22-29, 2025). Just enter Coupon Code: EARTHCARE25 Permaculture Events
Permaculture Job Opportunities
Join us on Social Media |
