High Desert Farming Initiative in Reno has been using hoop houses to help grow lettuce. They have also been trying something new where the plants are planted outside of a hoop house and can be covered if the weather is too harsh. Basic concepts of permaculture can be seen by this. (Picture credit: Samantha Altergott)
Permaculture is a branch of ecological design. This branch of design combines both ecological engineering and environmental design. This sustainable agriculture system is modeled after natural ecosystems.
What is ecological design?
According to Sim Van der Ryn and Stuart Cowan ecological design is “any form of design that minimizes environmentally destructive impacts by integrating itself with living processes.” Think of recycling and how it helps keep our environment from being destroyed. Think of biodegradable products and how they are helping our environment stay green. Both of the above mentioned examples are helping with ecological design.
What does ecological engineering involve?
Ecological engineering involves using engineering and our knowledge about the world to help construct ecosystems. While this branch of engineering hasn’t been around as long as the others it doesn’t mean that it isn’t as important. They are still finding new ways to implement their knowledge into developing ecosystems. By studying ecosystems and finding out how they work ecological engineers can figure out how to integrate this knowledge into developing new systems.
What’s the difference between environmental design and ecological design?
Environmental design focuses on surrounding environmental conditions when coming up with plans for new buildings, products and polices. While ecological design focuses on minimizing environmental destruction, environmental design focuses on creating a human-designed environment.
Why is this important to you?
This photo shows High Desert Farming Institute and how they incorporate hoop houses as part of their agricultural design.
I am sure you are asking yourself why this type of farming is important. By understanding that farmers are taking environment concerns into consideration when they farm we as a group can know that our existing ecosystems are not being destroyed in order to create sustenance for ourselves. We can be assured that our world as we know it will continue to grow and change. We are adapting and understanding how we fit into the ecosystems.
How is it used in everyday life?
- Designing natural homes
- Food production systems
- Food forests
- Backyard animals
- Harvest rainwater
Information and sources:
Great link to find out more information on how permaculture is used in every day life: http://www.permaculture.org/permaculture-resources/key-concepts/
Understanding that the world is changing: http://www.permaculture.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/permaculture-a-way-of-seeing-by-joel-glanzberg.pdf
Permaculture Techniques: <<http://www.permaculture.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Permaculture-Techniques.pdf>>
Local Farm- Urban Roots will be having an introduction workshop on permaculture May 22-23, 2014. Here’s the link to their information page: <<http://www.urgc.org/#!permaculture/c4fw>>
Written by: Samantha Altergott
The Heart of Reno's Roots 