Permaculture - let's be kind to our world, to the earth, and the people in it   Let’s be kind to our world To the earth and the people in it Most of us are aware that there are tremendous problems in this world of ours be it Global Warming, Toxicity, Poverty, Cultural Differences ...the list is endless. And when we see a problem, most of us will say “Something must be done!” Perhaps we ought instead to think “What can we do about it?”

Permaculture is about sustainable living, and taking positive steps in the ways we live our own lives, thus working towards a sustainable and pleasant future for ourselves, our children, and future generations.

Of course, we could all rush out and find a new eco-home with solar heating, a stream suitable for micro-hydropower and a coppice for firewood............. mmmm!!!
Maybe just a few changes to start with eh! For example:

• Support local producers, farm shops, or join a Box Scheme, and buy fresh, seasonal, organic products whenever possible. So much better for your health.
  

• Conserve energy in your home and save money too – make sure lofts and cavity walls are insulated (you may be eligible for grants). Put on a jumper and turn the thermostat down a degree or too in winter.
  

• Walk and cycle more often instead of using the car – especially when taking the children to and from school.
  

• Make your own compost – bins are often available very cheaply from local councils. Use lots of kitchen and garden waste, and also paper and cardboard.
  

• Feed the garden birds and provide them with a bird path. No need to buy one; you only need a shallow container that will hold water – so use your imagination!

THE CARDBOARD CLASSROOM A wonderful example of permaculture is the cardboard classroom at Westborough School, Westcliff-on-Sea, completed in 2002 – Europe’s first permanent cardboard structure. The school children and their families actually brought household cardboard waste to large recycling bins placed in the school playground. This was then taken away to be compressed and converted into the main building components. The floor is made of recycled rubber tyres and cupboards and fittings are made of Tectan, a material produced from used drinks cartons. This additional classroom, used mainly for after-school clubs, has proved to be phenomenally successful and yet it was built on a shoestring budget – so why are we not seeing more of these constructions being built?

 

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