The permaculture ethics and principles are intended to guide our actions when designing new systems. They help us to think holistically and look at the problem in a systems context. They are not intended to be dogmas or commandments. They are very helpful in their current form, but that doesn’t mean they can’t also be flexible and adaptive; subject to change. The principle “apply self-regulation and accept feedback” must also be applied to the principles themselves.

With that said, understanding and following these ethics and principles is sure to help us create highly functional, regenerative systems for the benefit of all.

Permaculture Ethics and Design Principles
Ethics:
  1. Earth Care
  2. People Care
  3. Fair Share
Principles:
  1. Observe & Interact
  2. Catch & Store Energy
  3. Obtain a Yield
  4. Apply Self-Regulation & Accept Feedback
  5. Use and Value Renewable Resources & Services
  6. Produce No Waste
  7. Design from Patterns to Details
  8. Integrate Rather than Segregate
  9. Use Small & Slow Solutions
  10. Use & Value Diversity
  11. Use Edges & Value the Marginal
  12. Creatively Use & Respond to Change
  13. The Problem is the Solution

[1] Image from permacultureprinciples.com

909