The Ethics of Permaculture

The Ethics of Permaculture

Are ethics universal, or are they subjective, governed by individual attitudes and circumstances? And if that is the case, how can anyone be sure that they have “good ethics” and are always making the right decision? And by what means can we design a future in which every choice leads to the wellbeing of all humanity and to the wellbeing of the planet?

What is Permaculture

What is Permaculture

Permaculture is a macro-concept that involves many different topics, methods, systems and ideas. Ideas like moving back to the land, using nature as our guide, applying ecology in our productive systems, reconnecting with the cycles of nature, approaching life holistically, creating stable local economies, regenerating the landscape and our relationships with others, investing in resiliency and interconnectivity; are in the heart of permaculture.

Communication Breakdown: Strategies to Avoid Unhealthy Communal Relationships

Communication Breakdown:  Strategies to Avoid Unhealthy Communal Relationships

Here at the Ranch we are usually 13 people living and working together in community.  Healthy communication is something we actively practice. Conflicts, disagreements and misunderstandings inevitably arise in our setting.  How do we navigate these sometimes treacherous waters so that everyone's needs are met?

Social Permaculture: The Secret to a Successful Community

Social Permaculture:  The Secret to a Successful Community

The people part of our work is arguably the trickiest.  Even though it takes experience, know-how and intelligence to design and install orchards, build buildings, and manage water, I’d say that they all pale in comparison to the work that’s required to create a holistic and healthy human environment in which to live.

How to Make a Solar Hot Water Heater for under $100

How to Make a Solar Hot Water Heater for under $100

You wouldn't guess that in the tropics having hot water was so desirable, but at our elevation, it gets quite chilly for me in the evenings. During the rainy season the nights can get particularly cold and if you've been in the rain working, a rejuvenating warm shower is just the ticket!

Over the years we have trialed two different types of hot water systems: composting hot water and solar hot water. I've personally installed and used both systems and would like to share what I've learned.

Foundations for Success: 10 Considerations to Create a Healthy Project

Foundations for Success:  10 Considerations to Create a Healthy Project

After more than 20 years, we have been able to identify some trends that have led to our survival as a business and a community.  The following advice is appropriate, and perhaps some of it even necessary, if you expect to live successfully in a communal work and living environment doing land-based work.

Speaking from the Heart

Speaking from the Heart

What does it mean to "Speak from the Heart"?

It sounds very easy, but it's not so easy to do.

The main difficulty in interpersonal communication is due to our natural physiological tendency to look first outward and not inward. 

Almost 80% of the sensory information that comes to our brain comes from the eyes. It's not a mystery why we tend to blame the other for our own misery.