We can all help the earth and make changes to live a sustainable lifestyle.

The outer environment is in danger from global warming, pollution, and myriad chemicals. As our toxic outer world spins out of control we become aware of the environmental dangers of disturbed emotions, disease, negative and aggressive thinking.

Permaculture (the word, coined by Bill Mollison…meaning permanent agriculture) is the conscious design and maintenance of agriculturally productive ecosystems which have the diversity, stability, and resilience of natural ecosystems. It is the harmonious integration of landscape and people — providing food, energy, shelter, and other material and non-material needs in a sustainable way.

Permaculture studies and applies holistic solutions that are applicable in rural and urban contexts at any scale. It is a multidisciplinary toolbox including organics, agriculture, water harvesting and hydrology, energy (solar, wind and hydropower), natural building, forestry, waste management, animal systems, aquaculture, appropriate technology, economics and community development.

The philosophy behind permaculture is one of working with, rather than against, nature; of protracted and thoughtful observation rather than protracted and thoughtless action; of looking at systems in all their functions, rather than asking only one yield of them; and allowing systems to demonstrate their own evolution.

We can all do our part in helping the earth and becoming self-sufficient…one step at a time. Looking at installing solar, wind or hydropower, growing our own veggies, building earth-friendly houses, putting in water tanks to catch rainwater are just a few ways we can become sustainable.

Below is useful information put together by the NSW Office of Environment & Heritage. Becoming sustainable begins with the home.

What impact does your home have on our environment?

If each of us aims to run a sustainable household, which means thinking about the type and amount of resources we use, how we recycle and dispose of materials, the steps we take to manage and conserve the natural environment we all depend on, we are not only conserving energy, we are saving money too.

Little things like changing to a water-efficient showerhead can save hundreds of litres of water a year, and stop your dollars going down the drain.

If we build houses that are well insulated and designed, then it will cost less to heat and cool them. If we consider our purchases carefully, a lot less waste will end up as landfill and pollution. Every year, each Australian generates, on average, more than 2000kg of rubbish; in NSW alone, we throw away $2.5 billion worth of edible food a year.

Water usage remains a key environmental concern and there are many ways to use it sparingly, without compromising on comfort. Whether it’s fixing a leaking tap or installing a household greywater system, every little bit helps.

Lots of little actions by lots of people can help turn things around. We have compiled some simple steps and actions you can take:

Save energy

Tips to improve your  with better heating, cooling, hot water, insulation and lighting.

Be water-wise

Save water in the home and garden.

Smarter choices

Choose more water/ energy efficient appliances and compare the running costs of different models.

Recycling and waste 

Avoid, reduce, reuse and recycle waste by living sustainably.

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Anahata Yoga Retreat holds Permaculture Design Courses yearly. www.anahata-retreat.org.nz

Nature’s Creation – Knowledge & Guidance through Healing Plants book and cards. carolinew26.sg-host.com