What a better way to begin Earth Day than by getting an update from our local holistic guru, Bud Baker, regarding his quest to adapt permaculture as part of his daily lifestyle?  About a year ago, Bud introduced me to the term 'Permaculture', the development of agricultural ecosystems intended to be sustainable and self-sufficient.  At the time, I had a hard time wrappping my head around the concept.  It seemed too daunting a task to over take especially in a suburban or urban environment.  Living in a condominium complex makes Bud's mission even more challenging. 

Much to my surprise, Bud's progression is quite impressive since his introduction to permaculture from a Dove?  Naturally, Bud is also a self-proclaimed 'Dove Whisperer', and receives his inspiration from nature.

Bud explained that permaculture is not something that can be instantly implemented.  It is a concept, a belief, an intention to gradually adapt to sustainability and self-sufficiency.  Over time, you can make a difference.  Bud Baker is a man of simple needs on a limited budget.  Therefore, his permaculture contributions had to also be inexpensive and gradual.  Rethinking, recyling, reusing, reducing, repurposing, and upcycling are the basis for change.

Bud began by committing to recycle which entailed reorganizing his kitchen and taking his recycled items to the recycling center, but he is always effecient in traveling and offers to take others recycling in as well.  Bud also rides his Bamboo Bike as much as possible to conserve energy. 

He then made a goal to pick up at least one recyclable item on his two daily trips walking his dog around the condo complex.  Over time, the overall cleanliness of the grounds has changed.  He now sometimes has to dig in the garbage bins for an item to recycle. 

Encouraged by his progress he was motivated to build a Vermiculture Bin by reusing upcycled materials in order to produce organic fertilizer from household waste. 

Bud now recycles over 80% of his waste. 

Bud's latest project involves building a gutterless Rain Barrel system from upcycled materials to retain water for use in his flower garden.  Bud has long loved gardening for both exercise, and it allows him to feel closer to Mother Earth.  He now has the beginnings of an organic, self-contained garden.

So what's next in Bud's immediate quest for permiculture?   Bud wants to attend all of festivities for this week's 'Greening of Ghent'.  Then he plans to start a Topsy Turvy blueberry, strawberry, and tomato garden to maximize his limited space. 

Bud also has a big picture plan, the Echo Green Project.  Bud plans to attend to tonites 'Not Your Usual House Tour 2.0' for inspiration.

We wish Bud well on his future endeavors. Not so much for us, but for our children, and those that come after us.  We have had the pleasure of experiencing the world as a beautiful place.  It should be preserved for all to see.  Sustain!