Permaculture, A Natural Systems Design Approach For Teaching Sustainability In Higher Education: Pacific University'S B-Street Permaculture Project

Abstract

Environmental security is dependent on establishing global social systems that mimic natural ecosystems and promote ecological literacy, environmental stewardship, and the equitable distribution of resources and power. The use of fossil fuels as the primary global energy source has resulted in disturbing consequences, some of which must be immediately and judiciously addressed by the global community. As leaders in the global community, institutions of higher education must abandon tradition and embrace innovation to become responsible for imparting the knowledge and skills that produce ecologically literate students. These forward-thinking institutions will embrace experiential, project-based learning practices and produce students who are environmental stewards and active citizens with a deep understanding of local ecosystems and the ways that humans can interact with them in a sustainable way. Permaculture principles have been tested and developed for over 30 years and could serve as an effective tool for teaching the concepts of sustainability in higher education. This paper describes the integration of permaculture principles into the curriculum of a small liberal arts university.