What We Can Do
I’m just going to say it: we are living through frightening, unprecedented times. As I write this, historic, terrifying events are taking place in the United States. I won’t get into the details—not because they don’t matter, but because my goal isn’t to rehash the news or dive into political debates. If you’ve been paying attention, you already know what’s happening.
Instead, I want to focus on what we can do. When the world is shaken by political upheaval, economic instability, or environmental collapse, it’s easy to feel powerless. But permaculture teaches us that we are not powerless.
Before you read on, take note: As the crisis in the U.S. escalates, I want to clarify something. Building resilience through permaculture doesn’t mean ignoring political action. History shows that movements with just 3.5% of the population engaged in sustained activism can create real change. Political action is essential—but so is strengthening our communities, food systems, and local networks. I’m not a political strategist, but I do know permaculture. So here are five actions rooted in its wisdom to help you build resilience in times of crisis and reclaim agency when things seem hopeless.
1. Focus on What You Can Control
Nature doesn’t wait for permission to adapt. Neither should we.
The world’s problems won’t be solved overnight, but we can build local resilience. Strengthening local food systems, sharing resources, and supporting each other all help to improve stability and resilience in our local communities.
Action: Start small. Grow more food, store essentials, or trade with neighbors. Strengthen the systems that sustain you.
2. Decentralize and Diversify
Monocultures fail. So do top-heavy, centralized systems.
In permaculture, redundancy is key—multiple elements support each function so that if one fails, the system still works. If national systems break down, local alternatives become lifelines.
Action: Identify weak points in your life—food, income, energy. Create backups. Diversify your garden, your skills, and where you get your needs met.
3. Build Community as a Survival Strategy
No garden thrives in isolation. Neither do we.
In uncertain times, strong relationships with neighbors, local farmers, and people you trust provide safety nets that governments and corporations won’t.
Action: Reach out to neighbors or join a local gardening group. Build relationships that strengthen your community.
4. Observe, Adapt, and Take Strategic Action
Permaculture starts with observation.
What’s happening? Where are the leverage points? Whether it’s protest, community organizing, or quietly strengthening local resources, action should be informed by what the landscape—social, political, ecological—actually needs.
Action: Pay attention. Read, listen, and find where you can make the biggest impact. Then act accordingly.
5. Regenerate, Don’t Just Resist
Resistance is necessary, but regeneration sustains us.
As we fight harmful systems, we must also plant seeds—literally and figuratively—for the world we want to see.
Action: Build something better. Start a garden, share knowledge, or create something that strengthens your community for the long haul.
Conclusion
Remember, we’re in this together. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, but don’t stay stuck. Take a moment to process, then start where you can. You don’t have to do everything—small actions matter. Just take the next step.
The world may feel out of control, but our choices still matter. The more we build resilient, interconnected systems in our own lives and communities, the less power centralized forces have over us. Now is the time to design not just gardens, but futures.
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