The Permaculture Transition Manual

Harness the power of permaculture to thrive, not just survive, the great transition from fossil fuels. This is the book I would want on a deserted island as a survival guide. It is a great resource for any community or individual looking to create a better future. - HANNAH APRICOT ECKBERG, Editor, Permaculture Magazine , North America CAUGHT BETWEEN climate change and a fossil fuel-driven economy that demands ever more growth, the world faces a great transition-by design or disaster-away from fossil fuels to a less energy-intensive future. But what proven tools are available to aid in making a successful, deliberate transition to a resilient, sustainable future? For the first time, the power of permaculture design has been brought to bear on the great transition problem. In the process, acclaimed permaculture teacher and designer Ross Mars has distilled his considerable knowledge into the ultimate resource for resilient living. The Permaculture Transition Manual is packed with information on permaculture design principles, soil building, nutrient-dense food growing, including top plant and tree selections for all climatic zones. Coverage extends to rainwater harvesting and irrigation, human waste management, and strategies for rural properties plus a unique focus on applying permaculture to small urban spaces for decluttering and efficient food growing. Also covered are hand tools, food preservation, energy production, and low-carbon housing and a plethora of nearly forgotten skills such as soap making, basket weaving, seed saving, rope and candle making, and more. On the desert island of a world in decline this is the one-stop guide to vibrant, resilient living you'll want to take with you. ...A complete blueprint for anybody to make their rural property or suburban home more beautiful, economical, and resilient. - ERIK CURREN, Publisher, Transition Voice ...An excellent exploration of the permaculture design process, peppered with information on compost, graywater, alternative energy, and much more. - JOHN WAGES, Publisher, Permaculture Design magazine Finally, a resource that holistically connects the dots between all the elements of permaculture! - LISA KIVIRIST, author, Soil Sisters: A Toolkit for Women Farmers ROSS MARS is a scientist with a PhD in Environmental Science, an entrepreneur, and a highly regarded permaculture teacher and designer. Author of the landmark The Basics of Permaculture Design , he manages Candlelight Farm, a permaculture demonstration site and training center in Western Australia.