#value diversity

[s4tomorrow]

Permaculture Principle 10: Use and Value Diversity

Having a diversity of species, cultures, and individuals on the planet is one of the most important ways to reduce vulnerability to change and challenge (not to mention, it makes life more interesting). Diversity increases self-reliance and productivity within a group due to the wide range of goods, services, functions, ideas, knowledge, etc. that is available from each individual within the network. 

For example, it is now widely recognized that monoculture (planting one type of crop over a large area) is a major cause of vulnerability to pests and diseases. This vulnerability then leads to widespread use of chemicals and energy. A polyculture (diverse crop system) is often healthier, more adaptive to change, and more capable of preventing pest problems and diseases from occurring in the first place. 

Think of the diversity of these crops as a web or community – if you take out one section of the polyculture (e.g. the tomatoes), there are still multiple connections and species that hold that web together. Whereas, in the less diverse system, if you take out one section (e.g. canola), the whole system is vulnerable to collapse. 

Simply put, this principle is based on not putting all of your eggs in one basket. 

Activity: 

Provide examples of how diversity has improved a situation, idea, or experience in your community or personal life.

- - -

I would like to acknowledge David Holgrem’s writing and ideas for greatly influencing this post.

Holmgren, David. (2013). Essence of permaculture: A summary of permaculture concepts and principles taken from ‘Permaculture Principles & Pathways Beyond Sustainability.

[permiekids]

Podcast 40 - Value Diversity: Alternative Forms of Learning

Podcast 40 – Value Diversity: Alternative Forms of Learning

“In a diverse garden you will find many foods all year round to provide a healthy and balanced diet. Using this principle of diversity, you can create a garden which has much more food available in the same space. It also recognizes the need to provide and maintain the habitat for other species without which we could not survive.” – Seed International: Sustainability, Education, and Ecological…

View On WordPress

[2sigma]

10 Things You Should Know About Other People

1: Everybody's experience in life is different, and as a result we all view the world around us differently. Never judge another person on the basis of your own experience; they almost certainly have valid reasons for believing and behaving as they do. When you disagree with someone's words or actions, try to understand their perspective so that you can communicate effectively within their framework.

2: A lot of hatred, stupidity, and bigotry is a direct result of ignorance. Fighting back with strong words will only escalate problems without leading to workable solutions. Listen--really listen--to what someone is saying, and ask questions that will teach you about that person (without bating them!). Once you understand the source of their negativity you will be better equipped to respond in a constructive manner.

3: People don't like being told how to behave. Lead by example.

4: Very few humans are innately evil. Don't write anybody off.

5: Nobody is perfect. Lower your standards.

6: Not everyone is yours to save. If someone is headed down the wrong path (toward violence, addiction, or immorality), try to keep them moving in a positive direction, but also understand that we all make our own choices, and a friend who consistently chooses unwisely may need to make his or her own mistakes. Don't drain your personal resources on someone who is consistently unresponsive.

7: Addiction is a disease, and all of us are susceptible to varying degrees. Don't judge others, and be self-aware when it comes to your own vices.

8: Not all of us need the same things in life, and not all of us have the same things to give. Don't make assumptions.

9: The people around you are not psychic. Communicate your needs clearly and mindfully, and they are more likely to be met. Even more important, communicate your appreciation. If someone makes a difference in your life, tell them, right away, long after the fact, and often. Not only will you brighten their day, but you will also reinforce their willingness to reach out and help others. Be appreciative.

10: Most of us don't like getting interrupted. Be an active listener.

In conclusion: Pay attention to the diverse population* around you, and try to see the world through the eyes of others. Before long, you will be able to assemble your own list of things to know.

*: every population is diverse because no two people are exactly the same. Find those things that make the people around you unique, and you will also gain a better understanding of the similarities that bind all of us together.

[wholistic]

Diversity

Diversity

Three Systems- Water Storage, Electricity, Water heating

Diversity in Water Storage

- Concrete (most expensive, long term, best quality) - Steel (short term, reasonable price) - Poly plastic (mid term, cheap, leaves residue) - Dam (huge volume, cheapest, vulnerable to contamination)

Diversity in Electricity

- Photovoltaic - Hydroelectric - Wind power

Diversity in Water Heating

- Solar - Slow combustion wetback - Methane Gas boost Short Phrase: “The more the merrier; variety is the spice of life!"

Summary of Principle, and Explanation of Visual Integration.

Diversity: In general, designing for and incorporating diversity adds wealth to a system. When many elements aid the same function dependence on any one is reduced and resilience is integrated.

System 1: Water

Water enters the storage system from both rainfall and a small creek. Rainfall is intermittent coming as a large quantity pulse and then nothing until the next pulse. There is a short step between the source and system in rainfall collection. Rainwater is very clean and after being filtered is the most suitable for drinking. A tank added to the system to collect the water run off from the roof can regulate the flow to the pattern of consumption as well as allow any sediment to settle. There are several other filtration options to increase purity. The creek flow is more consistent but slow. The creek is a shared resource running through many unknown systems. This affects the water quality arriving into this managed area. Creek water is most suitable for irrigation of gardens and cleaning. These uses both require a much larger quantity of water and are more tolerant of quality. The gardens can even benefit from the additional nutrients found in creek water that are absent from the rain. Larger water storage systems such as a dam can further regulate the flow and therefore lessen the negative impact on the system in the event of a flood or drought. Through the use of natural ecological systems the water flowing out of the managed area is of a higher quality than that which flows in.

Systems 2 & 3: Electrical Energy and Hot Water

Electrical energy can enter the system either by the sun powered photovoltaic cells, a small water powered hydro generator turbine or a wind powered generator. When the sun is shining, the photovoltaic cells generate most of the power and water is heated by a solar hotwater panel. In nature, energy can also be stored from the sun for long term usage in trees. When these are sustainably harvested or coppiced they provide efficient fuel for heating and wetback system also heats water in a tank. When sufficient, a further alternative is a hotwater booster heater using natural methane gas (energy which has been generated by the fermentation of pig outputs.). Nature is varied, abundant and diverse. This is a wonderfully successful approach. There are always many solutions to a problem, following this pattern and using natural diversity encourages variety and abundance in the system.