Earth Care. People Care. Fair Share.

During the pandemic I became invested in permaculture and gardening. I dove deep into Restoration Agriculture: Real-World Permaculture for Farmers by Mark Shepard and Dana O’Driscoll’s book Sacred Actions. They both discuss Earth Care, People Care and Fair Share in different aspects.

Permaculture is a concept and practice deeply rooted in the sustainable interdependence between human beings and nature. It revolves around three core ethics: Earth Care, People Care, and Fair Share. These principles not only guide the permaculture practices but also offer a philosophical foundation for living harmoniously within our ecosystems. Reflecting on these ethics, provides valuable insights into how permaculture can serve as a transformative tool for both ecological and social systems.

Earth Care, the first ethic, emphasizes the importance of nurturing and preserving the health of our planet.  The natural systems of the earth create the air we breathe, water we drink and the food we eat. Every human need is dependent on the natural systems of the planet itself. 

O’Driscolls work encourages a deep respect for the natural world, advocating for practices that regenerate and sustain soil health, water quality, and biodiversity. Similarly, Mark Shepard, in his practical guide on Restoration Agriculture, illustrates how agricultural systems can mimic natural ecosystems, thereby enhancing the resilience and vitality of the land, and the output of sustainable food. 

By adopting techniques such as agroforestry and polyculture, farmers can produce food while also fostering a thriving ecosystem. This method intrigues me and encourages me to plant sustainably in my own backyard forest.

People Care, the second ethic, focuses on the well-being and empowerment of individuals and communities. O’Driscoll’s perspectives on permaculture highlight the significance of building interdependent relationships based on mutual respect and support. Shepard’s work extends this concept to the realm of agriculture, showing how permaculture practices can create sustainable livelihoods and strengthen community bonds. If we as a society have starvation, disease, or a constant need, we have a social problem that affects everyone. The lack of care for people can lead to more than just the issues with food; it leads to war. “If we don’t care for people, people can’t care for the earth. If we don’t care for the earth, it won’t take care of the people,” (Mark Shepard.)

Fair Share, the final ethic, is about equity and justice, ensuring that we use resources wisely and share the abundance. We need systems that do not exploit or deplete, but rather regenerate and sustain. This ethic calls for the equitable distribution of resources, ensuring that all people have access to the necessities of life, it also challenges us to rethink our consumption patterns and strive for a balance that honors the limits of our planet while providing for future generations. The only way a society can achieve equitable distribution of resources, basic necessities of life, is to care for the earth and the people together. 

The integration of Earth Care, People Care, and Fair Share presents a holistic approach to sustainable living. By embracing these ethics, we can move towards a future where humans live in harmony with nature, supporting both the earth and each other in a cycle of mutual care and respect.

~Candice C Carver