Permaculture Principle Two: Catch and Store Energy
Catching the Sun, Saving the Rain: How to Think Differently with Permaculture
We often think of energy as something external, something we capture and hold onto. Batteries, power plants, and fuel tanks are all examples of this "tank" mentality. While it's served us well, it has limitations. Batteries degrade, power plants pollute, and fuel tanks run dry. Permaculture, with its focus on mimicking nature's efficient systems, offers a thinking tool kit of ideas for harnessing and storing this energy in ways that are sustainable, resilient, and deeply connected to our daily lives. The sun's energy nourishes plants, which we eat for fuel. Wind powers turbines, generating electricity. Even our own bodies are energy storehouses, replenished by sleep and food.
This is the core of the second permaculture principle: Catch and Store Energy
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This principle encourages us to think creatively about capturing and utilising the natural resources around us. It's not just about installing solar panels or composting food scraps, though those are great steps! It's about seeing energy in everything – the sun's warmth, the wind's power, the organic matter decomposing in your backyard and even our bodies.
Rethinking the "Tank" mentality
As mentioned, the traditional view sees energy as something we capture and hold, like water in a tank. Batteries, pumped hydro facilities, and compressed air storage all exemplify this approach. It's intuitive and familiar, but it has limitations. In the spirit of permaculture, we can become energy ninjas, observing, capturing, and storing these gifts from nature to power our lives in creative and sustainable ways.
Easy ideas to get you started
Become a sun-catcher: Plant fruit trees strategically to shade your house in summer, reducing reliance on air conditioning. Build a simple solar oven to bake delicious treats using the sun's free heat.
Plant Powerhouses: Embrace trees like wattles and sheoaks – nitrogen fixers that capture sunlight and turn it into soil food. You're essentially growing your own fertiliser factory that also provides support for other target species to grow (like fruit trees).
Embrace the rain: Plant on contour to channel water flow and prevent erosion while replenishing your soil's moisture reserves. Encourage every drop to be absorbed where it lands.
Upgrade your appliances: Invest in energy-efficient models for everything from your fridge to your washing machine. Every watt saved adds up, reducing your reliance on the grid and reducing your electricity bill.
Embrace the clothesline: Ditch the dryer and harness the sun's and wind's power to dry your clothes naturally. Not only is it good for the environment, but it's also gentler on your clothes and saves you money. Near your fireplace, install a ceiling-mounted, Victorian-style, clothes airer for winter use.
Human Power: While not exactly innovative, like the next section, permaculture encourages maximising human power for everyday tasks. Bicycles for transportation, hand tools for gardening, and manual or spot washing instead of machines are all ways to tap into your own energy reserves while reducing reliance on external sources. Think about getting a workout while powering your daily chores.
Innovative permaculture hacks for catching and storing energy
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Biochar Battery: Biochar, a charcoal-like substance created from burning organic matter, can potentially store electricity as chemical energy. Researchers are exploring ways to create "biochar batteries" where biochar charges up like a capacitor, releasing energy later. Think about the possibilities of using food scraps to create your own mini-battery.
Compost Heat: As compost decomposes, it generates heat. This heat can be captured through insulated systems for greenhouses, water heating, or even low-temperature cooking. Imagine your kitchen waste keeping your seedlings warm.
Anaerobic Digester: These systems break down organic waste without oxygen, producing methane gas. This biogas can be used for cooking, heating, or generating electricity. You can literally turn food scraps and manure into your own personal fuel source and for as little as $2k.
Wind Turbines on Fruit Trees: Imagine small, low-profile wind turbines integrated into the branches of fruit trees. These could harness wind energy while not impeding sunlight or fruit production. While still in development, it offers a fascinating example of integrating energy capture into existing permaculture systems.
Remember, these are just a few examples, and the field constantly evolves. The key is to approach energy holistically, viewing it as part of a larger ecological web. By thinking outside the "tank" and embracing permaculture principles, we can unlock a future where energy is not just captured but nurtured, shared, and utilised in ways that benefit our planet and ourselves.
So, the next time you see sunlight streaming through your window or feel a cool breeze on your face, don't just bask in the moment. Think of it as an invitation to become an energy ninja, capturing and storing nature's bounty to power your life sustainably and mindfully. Stay tuned for next month when I continue the permaculture series discussing principle three - Obtain a Yield.
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