Ithaca College

Karryn Olson-Ramanujan, from the Finger Lakes Permaculture Institute, will speak at the environmental studies program's popular Environmental Seminar on Monday, September 8, at 4:00 p.m. in CNS 119. All are welcome to attend the free seminar to learn more about this system for sustainable design of human culture that focuses on both ecological mindfulness and the provision of basic human needs in an environmentally sustainable way.

The permaculture concept originated in Australia in the 1970s to promote agro-ecological design theory, and has since grown to include a collection of ethics and principles that influence the wider designing of human systems that work in harmony with natural ecosystems.

Some specific elements addressing sustainable societies include natural building, small-scale agriculture, sustainable resource use, and the use of appropriate technologies.

The Finger Lakes Permaculture Institute (FLPCI) was founded in 2005 as a response to a growing local need for effective sustainability education. The institute offers multiple opportunities to engage, including short classes, study groups, apprentice programs, and the intensive Permaculture Design Certification Course.

Finger Lakes Permaculture Institute