Permaculture Ethics

The permaculture ethics — Care for the Earth, Care for People, and Fair Share — are the foundation of all permaculture design and decision-making. By adhering to these principles, permaculture practitioners work toward systems that are not only productive but also sustainable, equitable, and regenerative, creating a world that cares for the Earth, supports people, and fosters community resilience.

In this article, we will explore each of the three core permaculture ethics in depth.

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Care for the Earth

The first ethic, Care for the Earth, focuses on nurturing and protecting the natural environment. It emphasises the need to preserve biodiversity, regenerate ecosystems, and use resources in a way that supports long-term sustainability.

Key aspects of this ethic include:

• Soil Health: Regenerating and maintaining fertile, healthy soils through methods such as composting, mulching, and reducing chemical inputs.
• Water Conservation: Harvesting rainwater, using greywater systems, and designing landscapes to manage water efficiently.
• Biodiversity: Promoting diverse ecosystems, which are more resilient and productive than monocultures.

By caring for the Earth, we create the foundation for all other permaculture systems to thrive. Whether you’re working with a small backyard garden or a large farm, the goal is to restore and enhance natural processes rather than deplete them.

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Care for People

Permaculture recognises that sustainability is not just about the environment — it’s also about people. Care for People is the ethic that ensures human well-being is prioritised within sustainable systems.

This ethic focuses on:

• Meeting Basic Needs: Ensuring everyone has access to clean water, healthy food, shelter, and community support.
• Building Strong Communities: Encouraging collaboration, mutual aid, and social resilience. In permaculture, individuals thrive when they work together in supportive, inclusive communities.
• Physical and Mental Health: Prioritising practices that promote physical health (e.g., growing nutrient-dense food) and mental well-being (e.g., connecting with nature and fostering a sense of belonging).

By caring for people, we help ensure that human systems are resilient, equitable, and supportive of everyone’s needs.

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Fair Share (Redistribution of Surplus)

The third ethic, Fair Share, is about recognising that resources are finite and must be shared equitably. It encourages us to take only what we need and distribute any surplus — whether it’s food, knowledge, or energy — to support others and reduce waste.

Fair Share in practice:

• Sharing Resources: Distributing surplus food, energy, or materials to others in need. This can be as simple as sharing homegrown produce with neighbours or setting up a community tool library.
• Reducing Consumption: Living within our means and avoiding overconsumption, ensuring that resources are available for future generations.
• Redistributing Knowledge: Sharing skills and permaculture knowledge freely to empower others and build stronger communities.

By embracing Fair Share, we can create a culture of generosity and ensure that everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive.

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Applying Permaculture Ethics

These three permaculture ethics — Care for the Earth, Care for People, and Fair Share — are central to everything in permaculture. Whether you’re designing a garden, starting a community project, or simply changing your personal lifestyle, these ethics provide a moral framework for decision-making.

By applying these ethics, permaculture moves beyond sustainability. It becomes a regenerative system where the environment, people, and resources work together harmoniously, creating abundance and resilience for all. A wonderful way to see these ethics lived out is at permaculture gatherings and courses — here are some of the best permaculture events to know about in 2026.

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Coming Next
Now that you’ve learned the ethical foundations of permaculture, the next article will dive into the 12 Principles of Permaculture, which offer practical guidance on how to apply these ethics in real-world designs.