Solidarity Project 2023: Permaculture - A sustainable way of living

In a world shaped by the impacts of climate change and social injustices, the quest for sustainable lifestyles becomes increasingly urgent. Our solidarity project had precisely this aim: to explore and promote a holistic approach to sustainable living, particularly in relation to the twelve principles of permaculture. But what exactly lies behind this idea, and how did we put it into practice?

The Vision and the Beginning

Our idea stemmed from previous solidarity projects in the realm of permaculture and organic farming. These experiences led us to the realization that permaculture is more than just a farming method—it's a comprehensive way of life. In 2023, we set out to delve deeply into each of the twelve principles of permaculture, both within the context of our vegetable garden and concerning sustainable living.

Research and Community

Our project was based on the premise that unsustainable, unfair, and selfish lifestyles contribute to global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and armed conflicts. Research spanned various areas, from agriculture to interpersonal communication. We asked questions about sustainable resource management, particularly money, and examined habits that positively or negatively impact sustainable living.

Community development played a central role in our project. Through communal gardening, we strengthened social bonds and bridged the gap in social life created by the pandemic. Our target audience was the existing gardening community, but we also aimed to expand awareness of sustainability beyond the confines of the garden.

Monthly Activities and Experiences

To achieve the goals of our project, we conducted a variety of activities focusing on the intensive exploration of the twelve principles of permaculture. Each month, we dedicated ourselves to a specific principle, both within the context of our vegetable garden and in terms of sustainable living. This included fixed community days and community Saturdays, providing a consistent structure for the community.

Regarding activities in the vegetable garden, we not only evaluated the applicability of the twelve principles but also cultivated various fruits and vegetables. The infrastructure established by previous solidarity projects allowed us to conduct new experiments in the garden and establish further cultivation opportunities.

Results and Outlook

The results and insights gained from the project are intended to serve as inspiration for promoting an alternative, more sustainable way of life. To share this information with others, we created a booklet summarizing reflections on each principle, our experiences, and the insights gained throughout the project. This booklet serves as a testament to our efforts and as a guide for a more sustainable way of life.

You can download our booklet here

Booklet - Solidarity Project Permaculture.pdf

Download PDF • 11.70MB

Overall, we conducted activities with a clear schedule to encourage community involvement. The monthly meetings served not only for gardening but also for communal exchange and the development of an understanding of the application of permaculture principles in various areas of life.

Our project was a step toward a more sustainable future. By exploring and integrating the principles of permaculture into our daily lives, we not only improved our vegetable garden but also fostered awareness of sustainable thinking and action within our community.