Urban Permaculture

Solution Based Activism in San Francisco during Reclaim the Commons, couter action to Bio 2004, Biotech Conference. Demonstration of real life permaculture techniques in an urban environment as alternatives to biotech and genetically modified organisms. Movie first appeared on www.communityactivism.org

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• urban
• permaculture
• garden
• activism
• environment
• solution
• commons
• community
• peace
• earth

[johnlvs2run]

The shows a few plants being put in pots, some people saying they love plants, there is nothing about permaculture and it's a total waste of time.

[rudibega]

@johnlvs2run Hmmm, I see them mimicking natural systems by using rock and then gravel then sand in the bottom of that re-used tub. Isn't mimmicking natural patterns and systems what permaculture is all about?

[rudibega]

Secondly, I know the folks who ate that food. They ate food they grew. And you call that a waste of time. I think cutting down positive actions is the real waste of time here. I hope you have time to do something positive and radical with your time someday...

[Outpost206]

What are these 'books' you speak of?

[ielopez531]

Perhaps plants are peaceful, but they aren't as helpless as they seem. They compete and 'communicate' with other plants. For example, some plants can secrete chemicals that impede the growth of other plants, such as the acidity that pine trees create around their bases from the chemicals in falling needles. Creeping vines can seem to 'suffocate' other plants. It's actually very fascinating.

[Helioforge]

When we study the world through the clogged filter of language, we cannot understand its inherent complexity, and can only impose upon it.

When we study things directly, the tangible world becomes our library, and we learn to act in responsible negotiation with the greater world.

[permalove1]

@rudibega

I feel you.. permaculture is about mimicking natural patterns and adapting over time. Acceptance is key.

Reflecting on the tao (Bill Mollison describes the permaculture philosophy as being much like taoism), we can see that trying to get it "perfect" is tense and rigid, not flowing and workable.

Having said that, we do well do remember that permaculture is as much about observation as it is action.

Balance.

Peace and love,

Steve.

[lordskudder]

You just don't get it. I'm not a vegan but I can tell you this, it's more to do with flowing with nature than it is eating plants. If you'd hunt down a cow, kill it and then eat it, most vegans wouldn't object. As for your question - you don't necessarily have to kill any plant, you can eat fruits, vegetables, seeds, grains and nuts - all of which the plant willingly gives away in hopes of pollination. However, it is also not unreasonable to state that plants might not feel pain as animals do.

[Ullbritt]

WAT IS DAT!? I WANT TO NO!

[kellaneric]

Vegans kill too. Do you not look upon plants as living things? Just like Animals? Or are Animals above plants so you cant kill them? Whats the deal hear?

[Plozen]

Principals of Permaculture can be applied to agriculture, but I prefer typical rows.