UK and USA versions of Permaculture
The Autumn issue of Permaculture Magazine contained some
interesting cultural insights. I've always felt something
was different between the British view of Pc and that
found here in America. This though has apparently occurred
to others also. In the letters section Ileana Grams talks
about the community feeling found in Permaculture Magazine
along with a more civilized debate of issues. To me this
is due to an openness about mistakes and less focus on finding
the best path or answer. The UK focus is on moving forward
together and letting everyone choose their own way.
In the book review section the review of "Gaia's Garden"
provided another insight. The review said there are two
ways to approach Pc:
1. Copy ecosystems in a literal way.
2. Work with relationships and propagate
in beneficial ways.
The book Gaia's Garden took the first approach and attempts to
engineer ecosystems through design. The other approach might produce
the same result but it would be fitting in rather than engineering.
One conclusion is that Americans try to engineer or
design the world more than their British cousins.
My view is that Pc is a process or dance with nature.
The design is never done. We are constantly learning to
live with moles, rodents, neighbors, etc. The engineering
and learning go hand-in-hand as you progress along. What
approach fits your world view?
jeff
