“A stitch in time saves nine.” “Waste not, want not.”
By valuing and making use of all the resources that are available to us, nothing goes to waste.
The icon of the worm represents one of the most effective recyclers of organic materials, consuming plant and animal ‘waste’ into valuable plant food. The proverb “a stitch in time saves nine” reminds us that timely maintenance prevents waste, while “waste not, want not” reminds us that it’s easy to be wasteful in times of abundance, but this waste can be a cause of hardship later.
The ultimate in nutrient cycling
Gergo and David are creating a base layer for a composting system with branches, twigs, leaf mold, fresh cow manure and hay. Humanure is collected in a receptacle in the toilet and has dry organic matter added resulting in virtually no smell. The composting bay is filled over the course of a year and the process is repeated in the second bay. Once matured for a year it is suitable for use as fertiliser for fruit and nut trees, providing ingredients to repeat the process.
‘The ultimate in nutrient cycling’ photo contributed by Vitalia Baranyai, featured in the 2013 Permaculture Calendar.
Principle 6: Produce no waste
New life for an old bike
“I like this bike. I have another bike which is better for distance and speed. This will be my bike for going out in style. It needed repair and was given to The Bike Shed. I paid $35 for it, and they give me the tools, parts salvaged from other old bikes, and advice I need to fix it up.” – Lari
Photo taken at CERES in Melbourne Australia and was contributed by David Arnold
Banana Armada
Most modern toys are energy expensive, have a very brief life of little educational value, then go to landfill. High quality durable heirloom toys, timeless in their appeal, can be passed between families and through generations. These charming little boats, made from banana stems and leaves and a few twigs, can be made by children, and don’t have to be looked after. They can be left to rot while the children get on with the serious business of playing.
Photo taken at Rainbow Valley Farm in New Zealand and contributed by Trish Allen
Waste Warriors
Meg and Patrick are dressed in non-biodegradable waste at the Daylesford New Year’s Eve parade, holding signs displaying the common sense adage of our grandparents’ generation. Plastic packaging is made from oil, a precious energy resource, is used only briefly, and generates pollution world-wide. ‘Want not’ warns us that we can not always expect to be so affluent. South Australia passed a State law in 2008 to become plastic bag free.
Photo taken in Daylesford, Australia by David Holmgren and features the costumes of Meg Ulman & Patrick Jones
