Permaculture is not the Green Wing of Socialism

This is an important thought process for me because far too often I see permaculturist (some big names) with a political bent trying to grab the ownership of permiculture and forcing it into the shape of their political ideology, often using green-washing tactics. Permaculture and socialism are two distinct concepts, each with its own principles and objectives. While they share some common goals related to community well-being, it's important not to confuse the two.

Permaculture is an ecological design framework that focuses on creating sustainable and regenerative systems that work in harmony with nature. It encompasses principles and practices for designing landscapes, agricultural systems, and human settlements that mimic natural ecosystems. The core ethics of permaculture include Respect for the Earth, Creating Resilient Community, Taking Personal Responsibility and Remembering Previous Mistakes Made.

Socialism is an economic and political ideology that seeks to create a more equitable distribution of resources and wealth within a society. It often involves collective ownership or control of the means of production and aims to reduce socio-economic inequalities. The idiolised goal of socialism is to promote social welfare, minimize exploitation, and provide access to basic needs and services for all members of society. In theory who could knock it..! So, socialism, too seems to be based on a sound set of ethics, however, historically those ethics have too easily been corrupted by those in power.

A point to note: The exact differentiation between communism and socialism has been a subject of continued debate. Karl Marx, the author of the Communist Manifesto, often used these terms interchangeably. I lack the expertise to eloquently delineate their separate distinctions, and my research on this matter has done little to help me. (If anyone can help please comment below.)

The Key Differences between Permaculture and Socialism:

Focus and Scope:

Permaculture primarily addresses ecological design and sustainable land use practices, driven by the desire to support local communities. It's centered on creating regenerative systems that benefit both humans and the environment, encouraging fair and responsible resource management within a community or individual context. Socialism, on the other hand, is primarily an economic and political system aimed at addressing socio-economic disparities through collective ownership and control of resources, this in its nature means ultimately, the total control of the people. In its strictest form, may involve restrictions on personal freedoms and choices, as the state's central control can extend to various aspects of life, including personal economic decisions.

In Bill Mollison's seminal work "Permaculture: A Designer's Manual," he articulated the prime directive of permaculture as: "The only ethical decision is to take responsibility for our own existence and that of our children." This directive underscores the idea that individuals and communities should actively participate in designing and managing their own sustainable and regenerative systems to meet their needs and reduce their impact on the environment. This can only be accomplished at the local-community level, as it is here that observations can be made to identify the specific needs.

Socialism, on the other hand, advocates for central state control over key economic and social aspects, where the state owns and manages resources and production. It relies on central decision-making and distribution of resources through government control. Responsibility is taken from the individual and passed to the state. It's important to recognize that the farther an individual is from the center of power, the less likely their specific needs will be satisfactorily addressed.

Permaculture, therefore, operates at a smaller scale, focusing on individual properties, communities, and local ecosystems, where specific needs can be recognised. Permaculture promotes decentralization and localized solutions. It encourages communities to adapt and design systems that best suit their requirements and environments. Socialism, when implemented as a political system, operates at a larger societal level and involves government policies and economic structures. It often involves centralized planning and decision-making, with the state overseeing resource allocation and economic planning for the entire society.

Permaculture's primary objective is to create sustainable and resilient systems that produce food, energy, and resources while enhancing ecological health. Socialism's primary objective is to address economic inequalities and ensure access to essential goods and services for all members of society, aiming for a classless society where resources are shared according to need.

Permaculture emphasizes individual and community stewardship of land and resources. Socialism involves collective or state ownership of certain resources, industries, or means of production.

Permaculture doesn't prescribe specific political structures or governance systems, focusing on individual responsibility. Socialism involves centralized planning and government intervention to achieve economic and social goals.

While there may be shared values, such as a commitment to community well-being and environmental sustainability, it's crucial to recognize that permaculture and socialism are distinct concepts, each addressing different facets of society and the environment. Understanding these differences is essential to prevent confusion and to acknowledge the unique contributions each concept offers in the pursuit of a more just, sustainable, and resilient world.

It's worth noting that permaculture is a practical approach, emphasizing personal responsibility and self-reliance, encouraging individuals and communities to take charge of their sustainable existence. In contrast, socialism is often viewed as an ideological and utopian aspiration, susceptible to corruption by those seeking power and control, as George Orwell eloquently illustrated in a quote from "Animal Farm": "All people are equal, but some are more equal than others." This satirizes the idea that, in certain systems or societies, despite claims of equality, certain individuals or groups may wield more privilege and authority than others. These remarks underscore the contrast between permaculture's emphasis on individual and community empowerment and socialism's tendency toward centralized control and collective ownership, which can potentially limit individual freedom and choice in the name of the common good. These differing viewpoints offer distinct approaches to addressing both societal and environmental challenges.

Despite being from the UK, the following quote deeply resonates with me and perhaps best articulates why I identify as a political atheist… No, I am, in fact, an anarchist, in the truest sence of its meaning… I do not need any Government.

“I am, at the Fed level, libertarian; at the state level, Republican; at the local level, Democrat; and at the family and friends level, a socialist.
If that saying doesn’t convince you of the fatuousness of left vs. right labels, nothing will.”
― Nassim Nicholas Taleb