Everything is connected. (Principle of Holism)
Every function is supported by several others (Principle of Stability) Also stated, it is not the number of diverse things that leads to stability; it is the number of beneficial connections between the components.
Every element should serve several functions (Principle of Functional and Energy Conserving design.)

Cycles in nature are diversion routes away from entropic ends-life itself cycles nutrients - giving opportunities for yield. Every cyclic event increases the opportunity for yield.

Work with Nature, rather then against the natural elements, forces, pressures, processes, agencies and evolutions.

The problem is the solution; everything works both ways or everything is a positive resource; it is up to us to work out HOW we may use it as such.

The yield of the system is theoretically unlimited. The only limit on the number of uses of a resource within a system is in the limit of the information or the imagination of the designer.

Make the least change for the greatest possible effect. For example, when choosing a dam site, select the area where you get the most water for the least amount of earth moved.

Everything gardens. When we examine how plants and animals change ecosystems, we may find allies in our efforts to sustain other species and ourselves.

Sustainability - the system provides for its own needs and the needs of the people maintaining the system over time.

Good or surplus yield - this means no products go unused (causing pollution) and elements must have their needs supplied by other elements in the system (otherwise, work is created.)

Imbalance = Chaos
Balance = Harmony

All principles and design work is aimed at maximizing useful energy storages in any system be it the house, gardens or our lives.

» Animals, Drylands, and Urban Design
» Appropriate Technology
» Building Locally and Appropriately
» Community & Economics
» Compost
» Definitions & Ethics
» Global Permaculture and Staying Connected
» Guilding, Stacking, Mulching
» Herb Spiral & Medicinals
» Land Access & Urban Systems
» Methodologies of Design and the Core Model
» Native Forests, Niches, Energy Sinks, Edge
» Permaculture Principles
» Seed Saving, Propagation, & GMOs
» Soil Regeneration
» Water Cycling, Flows, Aquaculture
» Zones, Sectors, Flow, & Patterns