International Permaculture Day is celebrated on the first Sunday in May every year and this year will be marked on May 4. It serves as a day to remind people to embrace behaviors that promote productive, environmentally-friendly, and primarily self-sufficient homes and communities. The earth is ours to cater to, and we should do what we can to ensure it stays a safe place for us to inhabit, as the other side of the coin comes with devastating effects. A permaculture design system consists of a collection of ethics, design principles, traits, and practices that organizations, communities, and people may build practical applications on.
History of International Permaculture Day
Due to the zeal of Bill Mollison and David Holmgren, who set aside other things to genuinely care for the planet since they thought we were taking from it without giving anything back in exchange, permaculture was born. They noted that this was not sustainable for humans, plants, animals, and the Earth, and a system had to be developed to combat this.
In 1954, Mollison worked in the Tasmanian rainforests with the CSIRO (Wildlife Survey Section), which led to Mollison developing the theories and concepts behind permaculture as a design practice — devising ways to thoughtfully develop systems that would actively sustain both human and wildlife. Mollison and Holmgren coined the word ‘Permaculture’ to describe an “integrated, evolving system of perennial or self-perpetuating plant and animal species useful to man” in the mid-1970s. Towards the end of the 1970s, they initiated the Permaculture Design System while living on the island state of Tasmania.
Bill Mollison, who was with the University of Tasmania, met with David Holmgren, a student of Landscape Design at the Tasmanian College of Advanced Education. Together, they combined techniques from traditional practices with modern scientific knowledge to form the basis of an approach to living that was likely to be sustained over a long period while meeting the needs of people. Mollison’s teachings found their way into institutes throughout the globe — including the Permaculture Institute, which he founded in 1978 to provide formal training on the theory and practice of permaculture. With the publishing of Permaculture One and Two, they spread the word about this new concept for sustainable design. They educated an entire generation of permaculturists who, just like them, devoted their lives to the practice.
International Permaculture Day timeline
While working in the Tasmanian rainforests with the CSIRO, Mollison gets inspired to form the theories of Permaculture as a design practice.
Mollison and Holmgren coin the word 'Permaculture' and initiate the Permaculture Design system.
Mollison and Holmgren publish the first book on Permaculture.
Mollison and Holmgren publish the second book on Permaculture to educate enthusiasts.
International Permaculture Day FAQs
What is the most significant disadvantage of permaculture?
The biggest drawback of permaculture is that it can be costly.
Is permaculture organic farming?
Permaculture includes organic farming, composting, agroforestry, integrated farming, mulching, sustainable development, and applied ecology.
Are permaculture farms profitable?
You must invest in seeds, plants, and labor to achieve good results because establishing soils, flora, and a balanced system takes years of work.
How to Observe International Permaculture Day
Plant a tree
Celebrate the day by planting a tree. You would favor society by planting trees because they have many positive effects, from improving air quality to making the area more flood-resistant.
Watch a documentary
Watch a documentary to see how human activities affect the Earth. After watching that, we're sure you'll think twice about dumping that plastic anywhere and everywhere.
Spread awareness
Spread awareness about permaculture. It could be as little as sharing the day on social media to organize a small campaign with a group of like-minded people.
5 Facts About Permaculture
Plants are good for your mental health
When you grow plants, you feel a sense of pride, ownership, and purpose in acting as a caregiver for them.
Urban Permaculture saves money
Permaculture will help you reduce your use of air conditioning which will help reduce the high electricity bills.
Permaculture reduces carbon footprint
Fewer greenhouse gases are emitted into the environment by adopting permaculture practices.
Urban Permaculture improves indoor air quality
When practicing permaculture indoors, the air quality around the home is drastically improved.
Permaculture cuts down food costs
Growing some of your food reduces the amount of money you spend on food significantly.
Why International Permaculture Day is Important
It preserves environment
Permaculture has so many positives for the environment. From prevention of floods and fire to reducing carbon footprint, the environment can benefit significantly from adopting permaculture.
It builds a sense of community
Observing others who share your interest in permaculture fosters a sense of community. Like-minded individuals often start meeting, which may eventually lead to lifelong friendships.
It makes us responsible
International Permaculture Day celebrations make you responsible for your environment. It introduces you to the hazards of anti-environment activities and familiarizes us with the benefits. You would think twice before harming the environment.
International Permaculture Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | May 1 | Sunday |
| 2023 | May 7 | Sunday |
| 2024 | May 5 | Sunday |
| 2025 | May 4 | Sunday |
| 2026 | May 3 | Sunday |
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