Permaculture isn’t just for agriculture—it’s a powerful model for sustainable business. By mimicking nature’s efficiency, businesses can create regenerative systems that minimize waste and maximize value.
Key Permaculture Principles for Business
Observe and Interact – Understand market needs before taking action.
Catch and Store Energy – Build financial and human capital for resilience.
Apply Self-Regulation and Accept Feedback – Continuously adapt and improve.
Integrate Rather than Segregate – Foster collaboration across sectors.
Examples of Permaculture in Business
Companies using circular economy models include Ikea's Re-Shop and Re-Use programs. At Ikea, customers can reduce their waste by returning unloved products back to Ikea. In contrast, others can purchase them at a reduced rate - keeping products out of the waste stream and creating affordable access to cool furniture designs. Ikea's Pre-loved items are good for the pocket and good for the planet.
Localized supply chains reducing transportation emissions, such as Farm-to-Table, where restaurants source and cook only with local ingredients. This helps to reduce transportation pollution while providing a steady market for area farmers. Restaurants in Vermont have been using Farm-to-Table methods for decades.
Conclusion
Businesses that adopt permaculture principles can create more efficient, resilient, and sustainable models, leading to long-term success.
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