Localization a Social Imperative
Author:
Matthew CannanMentors:
- Steven Koletty, Adjunct Professor, Marymount College
- Allen Franz, Professor, Marymount College
The recent social, financial, economic, and natural crises have made evident that a sustainable way of living, that is a well balanced synergistic way of living with nature (permaculture) is essential to the continual survival of humanity. Reducing globalization and becoming self-sufficient is essential to a sustainable way of living. Permaculture is part of this new global cultural reality and seeks to create "Consciously designed landscapes which mimic the patterns and relationships found in nature, while yielding an abundance of food, fiber, and energy for provision of local needs". I researched the role that specific permaculture principles play in local economies of Southern California, rural locations across the US, and in the developing world to become self-sufficient and sustainable in food production. My presentation shares the findings of this research and the practices that seem most effective. We have applied these permaculture principles to future expansion plans at Marymount college in order to make the institution more sustainable. We can now demonstrate that permaculture principles ought to be a viable aspect of any institutions sustainability planning.