What is sustainable enery? – fossil fuels cause global warming and will soon run out – but are renewables really free energy and will they actually solve the energy crisis?
Energy comes in many forms. We need energy from our food to live – any system needs energy to survive otherwise it decays and dies. But we also see energy as a resource – we use it to save time or effort but have we become too reliant on it?
We will look at the different forms and types of energy – some familiar but also more novel approachs – to give our perspective on the role and use of energy in a sustainable world.
One major use of energy is technology which on the surface seems extravagant – its often not sustainable and we consume too much. So what is the role of technology in permaculture?
This lecture will also consider sustainability and the built environment from construction to energy conservation.
Water is probably the most significant crisis we currently face – more so than any other.
And where water is currently not in short supply, we give it little attention – we tend to disrespect water.
Clean safe water is probably our most precious resource
Water is fundamental for the planet and essential for all life and our good health.
But not everyone has access to clean drinking water.
There is a gradual decline, globally, in the available fresh water.
We overuse and pollute water – acid rain, industrial chemicals and agricultural wastes.
We should start to respect water by conserving it, helping to sustain the natural environment and climate.
In the next of our monthly Permaculture sessions, in February, we look at capturing, storing and using water creatively and effectively from growing to drinking to cleaning to energy. The importance of re-using both grey and black water through natural filter systems. The role of aquaponics.
We will show how this can be applied on the small scale for urban – town or city – settings as much as rural ones such as water auditing and designing a domestic water strategy in simple practical ways.
And consider where there are alternatives to using water such as compost toilets!
We held our January lectures last week on patterns. A lot of patterns can be found in the local traditions here, and are still practised by natural farmers. Everyone has their unique patterns for farming but follow some general ones. They don’t call them patterns – for local farmers its instinctive. But for those moving to sustainability, I feel providing the theory helps give understanding as to why things are done in certain ways. And then each can develop their own unique style.
While researching for the lecture, I was shown a book which is called ‘tenteki no hanashi’ – roughly means story of pests. Its actually a children’s book but the simple phrases and pictures makes the ideas easy to understand. Even for adults, I found it a great way to find out about different ‘pests’ and the beneficial species that control them.
Lastly, we were invited to give a presentation, recently, at a workshop for budding entrepreneurs in the Kochi region. This is a two year grant funded initiative, in this region, to train local young entrepreneurs. I focused on why sustainability and permaculture matters and is relevant to their business ideas and thinking as well as how its important to think sustainably not only ourselves but our societies.
And for me, this presented a great opportunity to raise awareness to a wider audience, to show the appeal of permaculture for everyone and to encourage more thinking about sustainable business practices.
This was the last of their workshops and we received very positive feedback from both students and the organisers – who are all local business owners. The students will be presenting their final business plans at a public meeting in February. I looking forward now to see how they have considered and present permaculture in their plans.
The February monthly class is about water.