Digital Permaculture E-Book

Dominik Jais

• Herausgeber: BoD - Books on Demand
• Kategorie: Wissenschaft und neue Technologien
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Seitenzahl: 312

Beschreibung

Discover how permaculture ethics and principles can transcend garden gates and be applied to the digital world. "Digital Permaculture" explores the innovative fusion of ecological design with digital technologies, guiding you through a complete permaculture design process adapted for the digital age. Uncover the challenges and insights of applying Zones, Sectors, and Patterns in a digital context. Learn how to make informed choices about digital tools that align with permaculture ethics and principles. This book not only provides a introduction to permaculture but also addresses the necessity of integrating sustainable practices into our increasingly digital lives. Embark with Dominik Jais on a journey that redefines permaculture for the modern world, offering practical tools and inspiring stories to help you create a more sustainable and balanced digital environment.

Leseprobe

Appreciation

I’d like to thank my wife Lumia.

I introduced the concept to digital permaculture back in 2019 to her ,and her first response was: “you are up to something”. Without her constant kind words, proofreading, extensive listening, and general support, this book would not have been possible.

Kiitos Lumia, Minä rakastan sinua!

I also like to thank my brother Moritz with whom I often speak about permaculture and digital permaculture in particular. As he is not involved in the permaculture bubble he has a different perspective, which I highly appreciate. It is something I generally suggest: have friends who don’t share your bubble.

Thanks Brother. May the 4th be with you.

I’d like to thank my aunt and my mother for their constant support, especially during difficult times – not just difficult for me but for them too.

I also want to thank Anna-Maria Spehar for initial proofreading and feedback. Special thanks goes to Douglas Locklin, who constantly challenged me on my approach, the topic, and many details. Without him, the book wouldn’t be what it is now.

Summary

The increasing integration of technology into our daily lives presents a unique challenge to those concerned with creating a sustainable and equitable future. While technology has undeniably brought about numerous advancements and conveniences, it is imperative that we critically examine the impact of our digital lives on both the virtual and physical environments. In this context, the concept of “Digital Permaculture” becomes particularly relevant.

Permaculture, with its focus on designing sustainable human habitats, has long been an important approach for those seeking to live in harmony with nature. With the rise of technology, it is necessary to adapt and apply these principles to the digital realm. In “Digital Permaculture,” Dominik Jais presents a thought-provoking perspective on the intersection of technology and nature, exploring ways to cultivate sustainable digital systems and communities that promote connection, creativity, and a deep sense of purpose.

The interconnection between our digital and physical lives cannot be overstated. The decisions we make in the virtual world have real-world consequences, and it is our responsibility to ensure that these consequences are positive and sustainable. “Digital Permaculture” invites us to step back and critically assess the impact of our digital lives, encouraging us to make informed choices that contribute to a better future for all.

In this book, Dominik Jais provides a compelling argument for using technology as a tool to create a more equitable and sustainable future. He examines the role of technology in reducing our carbon footprint and protecting the environment, as well as its potential to foster connection, creativity, and community. His focus on a holistic and interconnected approach to our digital and physical lives highlights the importance of considering the impact of our choices on both realms.

The world is rapidly changing, and the line between the virtual and physical is becoming increasingly blurred. In such a context, “Digital Permaculture” serves as a crucial guide for those seeking to build a better world. Whether you are a technologist, an environmentalist, or simply concerned about the impact of technology, this book is a must-read. It is a powerful reminder of the need to take responsibility for our digital lives and to actively work towards creating a more sustainable and equitable future.

In the tradition of critical thinkers, “Digital Permaculture” invites us to question the status quo and to imagine a better world. It is a call to action for those seeking to create a more harmonious and sustainable existence in both the virtual and physical realms.

About this book

When I started with the concept of Digital Permaculture in 2019, it was intended as a design for my Diploma in Applied Permaculture Design. Some 4.000 words into the design, I realized that a diploma design wouldn’t suffice. There were too many things to explain and too many stories to tell. The sheer size of it, now about 60.000 words, is far beyond the suggested size of a diploma design (~2.000 words). The idea to put everything into a book was born.

After writing some chapters, I got side-tracked with other topics, and a year passed without any progress in writing. When I stepped down as chair of the Finnish Permaculture Association, I suddenly had time on my hands and resumed writing. The difficult part was adapting permaculture concepts to Digital Permaculture. What are Zones, Sectors, and Patterns? What do they mean in the digital realm? Do we need other concepts? Not everything was obvious from the beginning.

I opted for a permaculture design approach. The whole book is essentially a design, allowing you to tag along and look over my shoulder. I hope you find great joy in it and that it inspires your own permaculture design journey.

Digital permaculture is the amalgamation of the digital world with permaculture and it is a necessity. In my years of observing the Finnish and parts of the European permaculture community and their behavior I recognized that permaculture design always stopped at every observed person’s garden gate. It was neither applied in the social space nor in the digital. The idea that permaculture design can be used for something else than gardens wasn’t in people’s minds.

In my observations within the permaculture community, I've noticed that there is often a reluctance to embrace or learn about digital tools. However, when we are required to use digital tools, I've observed that we sometimes make uninformed choices that lead to less than optimal outcomes. It is clear to me that there is need for greater awareness, education, and informed decision-making when integrating digital tools into our framework or when developers develop digital tools. By addressing this knowledge gap and understanding the potential benefits and drawbacks of digital technologies and their implications regarding sustainability, we can make more informed choices aligned with our values and contribute to sustainable practices.

In short: This book will give you an introduction to permaculture, in particular permaculture ethics and principles as well as permaculture design. Together, we'll embark on a journey through a complete permaculture design process, equipped with a diverse array of tools. By the end of this exploration, you'll have discovered how the principles of permaculture can guide us to make more conscious and ethical decisions – especially in our digital realm.

Who should read this book?

Before we start into who will benefit most from this book, let's clarify who it might not suit. If you're purely a theorist uninterested in the practical application of digital permaculture, this may not be the read for you. This book isn't for those who prefer to prescribe solutions to others without taking action themselves. Instead, it's crafted for individuals ready to embark on a journey of personal transformation. With “pathways into personal digital sustainability” as our guiding subtitle, the content is action-oriented, designed to empower every reader to make meaningful changes towards a sustainable digital lifestyle.

The primary audience for this book is permaculture designers and people working in IT who find themselves at the intersection of sustainability and IT. It is written for practitioners who want to learn from practical examples of how Digital Permaculture could work. I hope the reader brings an open mind and seeks fruitful connections between disciplines while avoiding territorial definitions. The examples in this book may primarily originate from my own experiences, but the reader should be prepared to view them through a broad lens and try to adapt them for their own use.

In addition to permaculture designers and IT professionals, this book is also intended for sustainability advocates who are passionate about fostering a more sustainable world through the strategic integration of technology. Sustainability advocates, whether they work in environmental organizations, policy development, or community engagement, will find valuable insights in Digital Permaculture.

Moreover, this book is a resource for anyone with a general interest in sustainability, whether you're a concerned citizen, a student exploring environmental topics, or someone who simply wants to lead a more eco-conscious lifestyle. Digital Permaculture offers practical insights into how individuals make more sustainable choices in their daily lives. It provides a window into the world of permaculture and its application in digital contexts, inspiring a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of sustainability and the digital realm.

The content & usage

The structure of the book walks us through the process of a permaculture design, taking readers on a journey through its various stages. Our first stage is survey, then we will analyze our findings using different tools.

Continuing the design process we identify patterns and connections, recognizing the interplay between different elements. Armed with these insights, we propose ideas and concepts that will lead to Digital Permaculture. From our design we propose an action plan to navigate the digital realm in a way that aligns with permaculture ethics and principles.

Throughout this journey, there is also a focus on appreciation – acknowledging the valuable contributions and existing initiatives within the digital permaculture space.

There are lots of footnotes, which are more or less links, either as references and/or for further reading to deepen your knowledge. I also put in some QR-codes, which you might find useful.

Table of Contents

Appreciation

Summary

About this book

Who should read this book?

The content & usage

1. A brief summary of permaculture

Ethics

Permaculture design

Design process

SADIMET design process

2. IT terminology and concepts

Open-source software

FOSS vs. freeware

The licenses for Open-source software

Fork

Repository

Open-source hardware

3. Concepts in permaculture design

Sectors

Zones

Layers

Relative locations

Principles

The design principles

Patterns

4. Survey

Soft- and Hardware

The zone 0 dilemma – the Internet

Digital permaculture in education and outreach

Other platforms and tools

The use of digital technology in regenerative agriculture

Energy consumption and e-waste

Start-up culture

Subscription culture

The digital divide – a social problem

Data sovereignty

Ethical AI

Other things to consider

5. Analysis

Hardware

Sectors of influence in software choices

Communication Zones

Communication tools.

Cloud storage

Conclusion

6. Design / Decisions

Patterns

The digital permaculture principles

Specific decisions

General decisions

7. Implementation – the way

away

Implementation list

8. Maintenance

Updates

Backups

9. Let’s end on high note

1. A brief summary of permaculture..

Permaculture, a portmanteau of ‘permanent’ and ‘culture’, was originally developed as a method for sustainable land management and settlement design, inspired by the thriving patterns observed in natural ecosystems. The concept was co-originated in the 1970s by Bill Mollison, his partner Reny Mia Slay, and Mollison's student David Holmgren. A key aspect often overlooked is the profound influence of the land management practices of Aboriginal Australians on the development of permaculture principles. Their deep understanding of and harmonious relationship with the land significantly shaped the foundations of permaculture.

Since its inception, permaculture has evolved from its initial focus on agriculture to become a broader approach to sustainable living. In the 2020s, as climate change became a pressing issue worldwide, permaculture was recognized on a larger stage as a solution to contemporary agricultural and environmental challenges. Practices like agroforestry, syntropic farming, and the development of food forests are examples of permaculture techniques that practitioners around the world have refined for decades.

Today, permaculture is acknowledged as a solution to a multitude of problems, ranging from the loss of biodiversity and food insecurity to the erosion of local communities. It is a testament to the enduring wisdom of indigenous peoples, particularly the Aboriginal Australians, whose sustainable living practices have provided valuable insights into creating harmonious, resilient communities in balance with nature.

Ethics

When I came to permaculture I found it hardest that no one ever wanted to discuss ethics on a meta-level with me. What are ethics, what are their limits? What are current ethics? How did they get defined? Back in the days I needed clarity for myself. Not about the permaculture ethics, but about what ethics in general entail.

Ethics refers to a set of moral principles or values that guide an individual's behavior and decisions. It involves the understanding and analysis of what is right and wrong, good and bad, and just and unjust. Ethics can be personal, societal, or professional, and they often vary based on cultural, philosophical, and religious beliefs.

In a broader context, ethics is the discipline of philosophy that deals with moral conduct, duty, and judgment. It concerns itself with questions like:

What is the right thing to do in a given situation?

How should people live their lives in relation to others?

What are the principles that define good conduct?

Ethics can manifest in various ways, such as:

Personal ethics: The individual principles and values that one holds. These are often influenced by upbringing, culture, religion, and personal experiences.

Professional ethics: These are standards and practices that govern the behavior of individuals within a profession. For example, medical ethics guide the conduct of healthcare professionals.

Social ethics: This pertains to values and principles that govern the behavior of people within a society. They are often codified into laws and social norms. For example in Finland, significant importance is placed on the spoken word; words are chosen deliberately to convey a message effectively. This cultural norm emphasizes the value of meaningful communication, with a preference for saying less and avoiding superfluous small talk. Or as Pythagoras put it: “Be silent or let thy words be worth more than.”

Environmental ethics: This area of ethics focuses on the relationship between humans and the environment, concerning issues such as conservation, sustainability, and the rights of non human entities.

Ethics plays a crucial role in decision-making, guiding individuals and groups to make choices that are not only beneficial to themselves but also considerate of others and the broader environment.

Compared to moral, ethics are external. The 3 permaculture ethics were defined by Mollison and then the 3rd ethic has been redefined over the years by the community.

In its heart permaculture is based on its prime directive: “The only ethical decision is to take responsibility for our own existence and that of our children”. It is surrounded by the 3 ethics “Earth Care”, “People Care”, and “Fair Share”. All 3 together are required in order to create a permanent culture.

Let’s have a look at the 3 permaculture ethics:

Earth Care: Emphasis on preserving and enhancing the health and vitality of natural ecosystems. It recognizes that humans are a part of the natural world and that our actions can have profound impacts on the environment. Earth Care encourages us to work with nature rather than against it, adopting practices that regenerate ecosystems, promote biodiversity, and improve soil health. We have to remember: The infinite cyberspace is bound to finite resources.

People Care: fostering social well-being and ensuring that human needs are met in equitable and sustainable ways. People Care encourages the creation of supportive, resilient, and self-reliant communities where individuals can thrive. It promotes practices like sharing resources, building social connections, and encouraging local and participatory decision-making processes. It is also about self care.

Fair Share (or the limit of resources and consumption, or Return of Surplus or Future Care): This ethic is centered around the concept of limiting consumption and redistributing surplus resources to promote equity and sustainability. It acknowledges that the earth's resources are finite and that over-consumption contributes to environmental degradation and social inequality. Fair Share encourages us to use resources mindfully, reduce waste, and share what we don't need with others, whether it be knowledge, time, money or material goods.

Illustration “Permaculture Cake”

When “People Care”, “Earth Care” and “Fair Share” come together as we apply permaculture design we get permaculture.

Just as there are numerous cake recipes to choose from, permaculture offers a diverse range of strategies, techniques, and applications that can be tailored to specific contexts and individual preferences. The beauty of permaculture lies in its adaptability and the creative freedom it provides. It invites us to explore and experiment, celebrating the multiplicity of solutions and approaches that can be integrated into our design practices.

By embracing the metaphor of the cake, we recognize that permaculture is not about rigid adherence to a singular definition of “good permaculture,” but rather about the process of continuous learning, adaptation, and innovation. It is through this dynamic and ever-evolving approach that we can create regenerative systems that align with our values and contribute to a more sustainable future.

The 3 ethics don’t stop at our garden gate, not when we are using our phone and not when we interact in social media.

To use a slightly modified quote from a small green alien:

My ally permaculture is, and a powerful ally it is.

Permaculture design

Let’s first define permaculture design. Permaculture design is a subset of design. Design in general is the process of planning and creating something with a specific function and/or aesthetic in mind. To quote Wikipedia1: “Design is the concept of or proposal for an object, process, or system“.

Permaculture design focuses on creating sustainable, self-sufficient ecosystems that mimic natural systems. It integrates principles of ecology, sustainable practices, and holistic planning to enhance biodiversity, soil health, water management, and overall ecological balance.

The term design is fundamental to permaculture. In fact, to be considered permaculture, a project must involve design. The sum of all permaculture designs results in permaculture.

Bill Mollison's seminal book is titled “Permaculture: A Designer's Manual2,” emphasizing the central role of design in permaculture practice. Permaculture design requires specific skills and a deep understanding of the subject matter, whether it's a website, a piggy-bank, a product, a house, or a garden.

Design is inherently context-sensitive, meaning that the designer must tailor their approach to the unique characteristics of the project. Designers must possess or acquire the knowledge necessary to initiate the design effectively.

We all have to become permaculture designers and I hope this book helps you to become one!

I acquired my design skills over decades of designing, starting with advertisement leaflets and party flyers when I was 16, continuing with websites, t-shirt prints, and all kind of different products – and now even entire homesteads.

Design process

A design process is a systematic and iterative method used to create a plan, solution, or product that meets specific requirements and objectives. It involves several stages that designers, architects, engineers, and other professionals follow to bring an idea to fruition.

Most permaculture design processes resemble more or less an action learning2 path.

Action learning cycle

To initiate the design process, I select a suitable design framework or process. There are several recognized processes in permaculture and design in general. While some have been established for many years, some are more recent.

From the established processes most notable there are SADIMET3, OBREDIMET4, CEAP5, and Looby’s Design Web6. All of them are used for land- or social permaculture design. CEAP is the original design process developed by Bill Mollison. It is linear. SADIMET and OBREDIMET are circular, hence iterative, using an evaluation and tweaking stage. Looby’s Design Web is something entirely different. It is a non-linear non-circular process that allows the designer to use given anchor points in whatever order the designer deems necessary.

For me permaculture design processes come with a lot of benefits:

Clarity and direction: A structured design process provides clear steps and stages, which can guide a project from conception to completion, ensuring that all critical aspects are addressed.

Efficient resource use: By planning thoroughly and anticipating potential issues, resources such as time, money, and materials can be used more efficiently, reducing waste.

Quality and cohesiveness: A systematic approach can improve the quality of the final project by ensuring that all components work together cohesively.

Continuous improvement: The iterative nature of evaluating and tweaking allows for continuous refinement, leading to progressive improvement in design and outcomes.

Risk mitigation: Analysis and regular evaluation can identify risks and issues before they become significant problems, allowing for proactive management.

Stakeholder satisfaction: Involving stakeholders throughout the process helps to align the design with their needs and expectations, increasing satisfaction.

Adaptability to change: Flexibility is built into the process, allowing for adjustments in response to new information or changing circumstances.

Enhanced communication: Documenting each phase of the process improves communication among team members and stakeholders, ensuring that everyone understands the project's progress and direction.

Knowledge transfer and learning: Systematic documentation and reflection at each stage of the process create a knowledge base that can be used for training and applied to future projects. Sustainability and longevity: Emphasizing maintenance ensures that the project remains viable and sustainable over the long term, not just upon completion.

The design process SADIMET (or SADIM) is widely used for land-based (you design a piece of land – your garden / homestead / farm) and even social design (you design for yourself / groups / communities) within the permaculture community. It is a suitable process for this book. SADIM is rigid (you will see below). If you are seeking a less rigid and more flexible approach, I recommend Looby Macnamara's “Design Web”.

SADIMET design process

1. Survey: This initial stage is about gathering a deep understanding of the current state of the project, whether it's a physical site or a conceptual plan. This includes collecting relevant data and observing existing conditions, resources, limitations, and potential. The aim is to acquire a comprehensive overview to guide the next steps.

2. Analysis: In this phase, the information collected during the survey is critically examined to identify patterns, connections, and potential obstacles. This analytical process helps in understanding the project's requirements and opportunities, setting a solid foundation for informed decision-making.

3. Design / Decision: The design phase involves creating a plan that integrates the gathered information and analysis. Designers use permaculture principles, strategies and techniques to develop holistic and regenerative solutions.

4. Implement: This phase is about bringing the design to life, translating ideas into action. Depending on the project, this could involve executing physical changes, initiating new processes, or applying innovative approaches to achieve the desired outcomes.

5. Maintain: Maintaining involves ongoing care and attention to ensure the project continues to function effectively. This could encompass regular monitoring, adjustments, and interventions to address emerging needs or challenges.

6. Evaluate: Evaluation involves regularly assessing the performance and outcomes of the design. This phase helps designers identify successes, challenges, and areas for improvement.

7. Tweak: We tweak our design according to our findings in Evaluation, basically start the design process again.

The shorter version SADIM, skips the evaluation and tweak stage.

Like permaculture design processes and software development this book tends to be iterative. The 10th edition might look different than as its first release.

Survey / Observation is both: the beginning and the end; it's from this vantage point that continuous improvement can be made.

The SADIMET design process as a spiral (linear permaculture design processes are usual circular with no end – hence a spiral.

1https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Design2https://www.tagaripublications.com

2https://asb.edu.my/action-learning

3https://permateachers.eu/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/sadimet.pdf

4https://www.permaculturewomen.com/a-design-cycle-application-gobradimet/

5https://beyondbuckthorns.com/content/diploma-applied-permaculture-design/welcome-permacafe

6https://loobymacnamara.com/

2. IT terminology and concepts

Let’s get some clarity about some of the terms and concepts used in IT.

Open-source software

Open-source software (OSS)7 is software in which the source code is made available to the public, allowing users to view, modify, and distribute the code. This model encourages collaboration, transparency, and community-driven development. Users can customize the software to meet their needs or contribute to its improvement by fixing bugs, adding new features, or optimizing performance.

Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS)8 is a specific category of Open-source software that not only provides access to the source code but also guarantees users the freedom to use, modify, and distribute the software without any restrictions or fees. The term ‘free’ in FOSS refers to freedom rather than price. This means that while the software is available at no cost, the focus is on the liberties granted to users.

Open-source software is a broader term that encompasses all software with publicly accessible source code, while FOSS is a subset of Open-source software that emphasizes user freedom and ensures that the software can be used, modified, and shared without any restrictions or fees.

One important point: FOSS or OSS doesn’t mean no one gets paid. That is not the case. There are plenty of companies, individuals and organizations who pay developers to create FOSS / OSS. Often developers of (F)OSS can be contacted and paid directly.

FOSS vs. freeware

Free and Open-source software is distributed under a license that grants users the freedom to use, modify, and distribute the software without restrictions. The source code is also available for anyone to view, modify, and redistribute. This means users have the liberty to control and modify the software as they please. Focus is on the ethical implications of software.

Freeware9, conversely, pertains to software distributed for free (price), but the source code may not necessarily be accessible. Users can freely use and distribute the software, but they might not have the ability to modify it or distribute modified versions. Freeware is often employed as a marketing tactic to promote paid versions of the software or generate revenue through advertising or donations. Unfortunately freeware is often mistaken for (F)OSS and inexperienced users can’t distinguish between them. That’s why (F)OSS comes with a license.

The licenses for Open-source software

Open-source software licenses come in various forms. Three of the best-known licenses include:

The GNU General Public License (GPL)10 is perhaps the most well-known. It mandates that any derivative works (changes or additions to the original code) must also be released under the GPL.

The MIT License11 is permissive, imposing very few restrictions on how the software can be used, modified, and distributed.

The Apache License12 resembles the MIT License but also encompasses a patent protection clause, providing an explicit patent license for any patents covered by the software.

Feel free to use a search engine of your choice to explore more Open-source licenses.

A prime example of Open-source software is Thunderbird13, a mail client from Mozilla14. This software is available free of charge for users, and its source code is also freely accessible15. Besides the original Thunderbird there are multiple forks available, like for example Betterbird16.

Fork

A fork of software is like taking a copy of a recipe and then deciding to change it up a bit to suit your taste or add your own flair. Imagine someone shares a recipe for a cake, and you take that recipe but decide to add some chocolate chips and a hint of cinnamon to make it your own. In the world of software, “forking” means taking the source code (the recipe) of an existing program and developing a new program from it that might have different features or a different direction than the original. It's a way for developers to build on existing work while adding their own ideas and improvements.

Repository

A repository is like a digital storage space where all the files related to a project are kept. It's similar to a folder on your computer, but it's used for storing and organizing things like code, documents or images. The special thing about a repository is that it keeps track of all the changes made to the files, kind of like a detailed history or a time machine. This means you can see how the project has evolved over time and go back to older versions if needed. Repositories are often used by people working together on a project, making it easier for them to share updates and work on different parts without getting in each other's way.

Open-source hardware

Open-source hardware17 refers to the design and documentation of physical products, such as electronics, scientific equipment and other machinery, that are made publicly available so that anyone can use, modify, and distribute them. Like Open-source software, Open-source hardware is often developed and maintained by a community of volunteers, tightly knit with the Open-design movement18, and is often distributed for free or at a low cost.

The idea behind Open-source hardware is to allow for the free exchange of knowledge and technology, and to encourage innovation by allowing others to build upon existing designs. Open-source hardware also allows for greater collaboration and customization of products, as well as reducing the cost of production, research and development. Examples of open-hardware include the micro-controller board Arduino19, and the RepRap20 3D printer. In contrast, proprietary hardware refers to products with design and documentation that remain secret and unavailable for others to use or modify. The difference between Open source and proprietary hardware parallels the distinction between Open source and proprietary software.

It's crucial to note that Open-source hardware, like Open-source software, also features different licenses. Some may be permissive, while others may be more restrictive. Therefore, it's vital to review the terms and conditions of a specific license before using or distributing open-hardware products.

ChatGPT prompt: use the general concept of Caspar David Friedrich’s “Wanderer above the Sea of Fog” to show a landscape full of e-waste.

7https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open-source_software

8https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_and_open-source_software

9https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freeware

10https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-3.0.en.html

11https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Licensing:MIT?rd=Licensing/MIT

12https://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0

13https://www.thunderbird.net/

14https://www.mozilla.org/

15https://github.com/mozilla/releases-comm-central

16https://www.betterbird.eu

17https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open-source_hardware

18https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open-design_movement

19https://www.arduino.cc

20https://reprap.org/

3. Concepts in permaculture design CCoonncceeppttss

Let’s get some clarity about some of the concepts and terms used in permaculture design. Sectors

Sectors

One of the key concepts in permaculture is Sectors. In permaculture design, Sectors refer to influences or forces that affect a particular site or system. These influences can come from various directions, and permaculturists use Sector analysis to understand and work with these factors when designing sustainable systems. What are the Sectors in the natural world?

They include Solar, Wind, Water, Access, View, Noise, Social, and Wildlife.

Sectors drawn for the Beyond Buckthorns homestead.

When we draw a circular diagram, a Sector is the area between two radii. In land-based design, we draw the sectors in our circular diagram in accordance with the landscape, often as an overlay over our base map (map with boundaries, pathways, roads, buildings, etc). In a map, north is usually at the top. This then gives us a quick overview of where influences are coming from and allows us to design accordingly.

In order to bring sectors into Digital Permaculture we have to repeat the concept: “Sectors are influences or forces which affect a system”.

Let’s ask ourselves: What are those influences or forces in the digital world?

The manufacturer: Manufacturers of digital tools and platforms can significantly influence user behavior and choices. Their design decisions, privacy policies, and business models can impact how sustainable and user-friendly their products are. I for example wouldn’t buy a Samsung phone. I don’t like their design.

Other users: The behavior and preferences of other users can affect your experience and choices. In a networked environment, the actions of one user can have a ripple effect on others, influencing trends and norms. For example when a plugin I was working with got a new very unfriendly maintainer I changed that particular plugin for custom code to avoid endless discussions in the plugin’s issue queue.

Peers: Peer groups can exert a strong influence over individuals, often shaping their attitudes towards technology and sustainability. Peer pressure can lead to the adoption of certain technologies or practices, either positively or negatively impacting sustainable practices. For example when self made drones became a thing I was heavily influenced by peers to build one too.

Decision Makers: These could include corporate leaders, heads of institutions, or family members who make decisions about which technologies to adopt or how to implement them. Their choices can have a substantial impact on the digital and environmental footprint of the organization or household they represent.

Culture: Cultural norms and values can greatly influence an individual's approach to technology and sustainability. Some cultures might prioritize technological advancement, while others may place a greater emphasis on environmental conservation. For example the preference for different search engines in different regions can be seen as a reflection of cultural differences. These preferences might be influenced by language, local customs, and the specific needs and habits of the people in those regions. For example, Baidu21 is tailored to the Chinese language and caters to the cultural preferences and internet habits of Chinese users. In Europe we wouldn’t use Baidu – we would use one of the many to us available search engines.

Legislation/Policies: Government policies and regulations can either encourage or hinder sustainable practices in the digital realm. Laws related to data privacy, energy use, recycling, and production standards can all affect how technology is developed, used, and disposed of. For example in 2023 the EU forced Apple to implement USB-C instead of Apple’s proprietary Lightning port22.

Economic conditions: This goes beyond legislation and policy and deals with the broader economic environment which affects technology funding, pricing, and market viability. It is also about ones personal economical situation. Will it be a Xiaomi Redmi smartphone for 160,- €, a Fairphone for 699,- €, or the latest iPhone for 1290,- €?

Technological innovations and advancements: While this may intersect with manufacturer influences, it specifically refers to the broader scope of technology development and breakthroughs that can shape hardware and software options beyond what any single manufacturer produces. In 2014 USB-C23 got introduced into the market by the USB Implementers Forum24 (USB-IF) and over time it became a standard in multiple hardware.

When considering Sectors, it's crucial to be aware of their presence and to understand the origins of the forces they represent.

In our design, we should ask ourselves the following questions:

Am I making this decision under the influence of a

Sector

?

If there is an influence, what is its nature and how does it affect my decision?

Zones

In permaculture we use Zones. In a land based design Zones are a function of time25. It is about the frequency of visit and the duration of stay. Zones are labeled from 0 to 5, where 0 is the center, usually the house, and 5 is farthest away, the wilderness. Over the years the concept of Zones got extended. We have to deal with Zone 00 – the mental, physical and spiritual health of the designer – the internal being.

Zones can be used in the survey to see how the natural Zones are – how the present is. It can also be used as a design tool – to design what should be. We’ll come to that later.

Zones – from 0 to 5 – distance increases while the frequency of visit decreases.

Adapting the Zones to Digital Permaculture comes in various forms. One simple adaption is to use the frequency of usage of a soft- / hardware as our main point of reference.

The duration of use will vary based on your personal situation and how much soft- and hardware you use in your life generally. Take my examples below as what they are – just examples of one particular user.

Zone 0: Core. Soft- / hardware that are used several times daily. For example applications which run continuously or are checked multiple times throughout the day. Examples might include your phone / PC with email clients, instant messaging apps, or essential work tools for certain professions.

Zone 1: Soft- / hardware used at least once daily but not necessarily multiple times throughout the day. This might include daily task management tools, certain news apps, or professional tools like a professional camera for individuals who need them for work.

Zone 2: Soft- / hardware that are used multiple times a week but not daily. Examples could be certain video conferencing tools and hardware required for it, photo editing software for hobbyists, or specific educational apps.

Zone 3: Soft- / hardware that's used at least once a week but not more than a couple of times. This might include certain games, weekly planning or review apps, or specialized software that's only needed for periodic tasks. Occasionally used hardware might be an NVR (network video recorder26) on which the video recordings get checked.

Zone 4: Soft- / hardware or applications that are used less than once a week, perhaps even monthly or sporadically. Examples could include tax software, certain utility apps, or niche software for very specific needs. A drone might be a sporadically used hardware. The duration varies but when I fly my drone I will use up a battery pack. It simply takes too much time to get the gear ready for some few minutes of flight.

Zone 5: Wilderness. Software that we might use on rare occasion but then use them for hours. One of my personal examples might be the usage of Processing27 to code art. I only start it for the purpose of art and it takes days until I have finished my work. Another example is browsing through the internet. Staying at websites for hours for inspiration, new ideas – input in general. The websites I then surf to are often not known prior to me.

Layers

Let’s extend on the concept of Zones and add Layers. In Digital Permaculture we have 3 Layers:

The physical layer – the standard permaculture

Zones