Ross Mars - The Permaculture Transition Manual: A Comprehensive Guide to Resilient Living

A SINCERE THANK YOU goes to the many people who have made valuable contributions to this work, and in particular:

Foreword: Rob Hopkins

Initial reading of chapters: Jenny Allen, Albert Bates, Graham Bell, Graham Brookman, Josh Byrne, John Champagne, Robin Clayfield, Naomi Coleman, Stewart Dallas, Chris Dixon, Darren Doherty, Ben Falloon, Julie Firth, Robyn Francis, Russ Grayson, David Holmgren, John Kitsteiner, Greg Knibbs, Kym and Georgie Kruse, Geoff Lawton, Ben Law, Ian Lillington, Max Lindegger, Penny Livingston, Cecilia Macauley, Hannah Moloney, Bill and Lisa Mollison, Rosemary Morrow, Jeff Nugent, Charles Otway, Scott Pittman, April Sampson-Kelly, Allan Savory, Craig Sponholtz, Sally Wise, Bruce Zell, Ken Yeomans.

Additional reading and comments: Adrian Baxt-Dent, Vicki Boxell, Laura Jones, Annora Longhurst, Ellen Krogdahl-Davie, Jo McLeay, Mignon Mitchell, Melissa Pizzato, Rachel Pontin, Martine Rousset, Kelly Thorburn.

Artwork by Simone Willis

Additional artwork: Kristin Scali

Proofreading: Josephine Smith WordSmithWA

R OSS MARS is a highly regarded permaculture teacher, designer and consultant. He is author of landmark The Basics of Permaculture Design and three other permaculture books, as well as two DVDs on energy efficient housing design and renewable energy systems. Ross manages Candlelight Farm, a permaculture demonstration site and training center in Western Australia. Over the past decade, he has delivered dozens of basic, design, advanced and diploma-level Permaculture Courses. Both a scientist with a PhD in Environmental Science and an entrepreneur, Mars also manufactures and supplies greywater and rainwater tank systems, and installs waterwise gardens and water-sensible irrigation systems.

NEW SOCIETY PUBLISHERS (www.newsociety.com), is an activist, employee-owned, solutions-oriented publisher focused on publishing books for a world of change. Our books offer tips, tools, and insights from leading experts in sustainable building, homesteading, climate change, environment, conscientious commerce, renewable energy, and more positive solutions for troubled times.

The interior pages of our bound books are printed on Forest Stewardship Council-registered acid-free paper that is 100% post-consumer recycled (100% old growth forest-free), processed chlorine-free, and printed with vegetable-based, low-VOC inks, with covers produced using FSC-registered stock. New Society also works to reduce its carbon footprint, and purchases carbon offsets based on an annual audit to ensure a carbon neutral footprint. For further information, or to browse our full list of books and purchase securely, visit our website at: www.newsociety.com

New Society Publishers

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS STATEMENT

For every 5,000 books printed, New Society saves the following resources:

Environmental benefits are calculated based on research done by the Environmental Defense Fund and other members of the Paper Task Force who study the environmental impacts of the paper industry.

Most readers understand that buying a book printed on 100% recycled, ancient-forest friendly paper is a more environmentally responsible choice than buying one printed on paper made from virgin timber or old-growth forests. In the same way, the choices we make about our electronic reading devices can help minimize the environmental impact of our e-reading.

Before your next electronic purchase, find out which companies have the best ratings in terms of environmental and social responsibility. Have the human rights of workers been respected in the manufacture of your device or in the sourcing of raw materials? What are the environmental standards of the countries where your electronics or their components are produced? Are the minerals used in your smartphone, tablet or e-reader conflict-free? Here are some resources to help you learn more:

The Greenpeace Guide to Greener Electronics

Conflict Minerals: Raise Hope for the Congo

Slavery Footprint

According to the United Nations Environment Programme some 20 to 50 million metric tonnes of e-waste are generated worldwide every year, comprising more than 5% of all municipal solid waste. Toxic chemicals in electronics, such as lead, cadium and mercury, can leach into the land over time or can be released into the atmosphere, impacting nearby communities and the environment. The links below will help you to recycle your electronic devices responsibly.

Electronics Take Back

Canada - Recycle My Electronics

United States - E-cycling central

Of course, the greenest option is to keep your device going as long as possible. If you decide to upgrade, please give some thought to passing your old one along for someone else to use.

M UCH HAS BEEN ALREADY WRITTEN about our changing world and this book does not delve into the causes, the facts or the solutions for climate change, peak oil and food sovereignty.