The Toledo Permaculture Network blossomed out of a culmination of experimental social projects aimed at redefining economics, food, housing and how we interact with our local environment using permaculture principles. Some of our key goals include the building of affordable homes for the urban environment using all natural building materials and sustainable design, the promotion of ecologically-regenerative urban farming and the creation of healthy, sustainable communities. We aim to be innovators for the improvement of life brought to the community with a pay it forward mentality.

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Some of our current activities include:

 

• The maintenance and expansion of the Collingwood Community Garden as a model "food forest," educational site, and community hub

• Open source design of affordable sustainable off-the-grid housing

• Developing a "do-it-yourself" model for sustainable technologies such as mycelium based insulation and aquaponic food production​                                

 

Defining Permaculture:

 

Through a set of principles for social and agricultural design, permaculture utilizes the patterns and features of natural ecosystems to design human-made systems that care for people, care for the earth, and redistribute the surplus. From agro-ecological food systems like forest gardens, to sequestering carbon through soil building, to catching and storing rainwater for irrigation and drinking, permaculture works with nature to meet the needs of people while regenerating the natural world. Permaculture is a design science; a movement; and a toolbox for transitioning to a just and sustainable way of living.