Permaculture is a philosophy and design system which is ethics based. I sometimes define Permaculture as "Practical sustainability"

The ethics are 

• Care for the earth
• Care for the people
• Create and share the surplus
• Care for all beings (the optional ethic)

• Relative location
• Each element performs multiple functions
• Essential functions are supported by many elements
• Energy efficient planning
• Using biological resources
• Energy cycling
• Small-scale intensive systems
• Stacking and packing
• Polyculture and diversity of species
• Increasing "edge" within a system
• Observe and replicate natural patterns
• Pay attention to scale
• Attitude

Check out http://www.permie.us for upcoming classes in the Austin Area

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Check out some more useful info such as Permaculture tips, Austin permie resources and maybe some book recommendations