Permaculture vs Glyphosate
In this conversation, host Geoff Lawton along with regular guests Eric, Ben, and Sam trace the rise of chemical agriculture and how permaculture offers a healthier, sustainable alternative. From Geoff’s childhood revelations about farming in England to real-world examples in Australia, Mississippi, and California, this conversation explores the ecological, human, and social impacts of chemicals, and how thoughtful design can create abundance without them.
Key Takeaways:
00:00:00 – 00:00:12 – Geoff introduces the podcast and sets the topic: permaculture versus glyphosate, framing it as a contentious issue.
00:01:36 – 00:04:18 – Geoff shares a childhood insight from the late 1950s, observing organic vs chemical farming on TV. Key point: using unnatural chemicals felt inherently wrong to him, even as a child.
00:04:18 – 00:09:58 – Historical progression from DDT and paraquat to glyphosate.
00:09:58 – 00:13:22 – Damaging Effects of Herbicides. Global scale: over 800,000 tonnes of glyphosate used annually, widespread exposure.
00:13:22 – 00:17:54 – Examples from Sacramento and the San Joaquin Valley, highlighting correlation of high pesticide use and cancer rates.
00:17:54 – 00:26:38 – Geoff stresses that permaculture provides practical, sustainable alternatives.
00:26:38 – 00:33:46 – Permaculture empowers local communities, offers chemical-free options.
00:33:46 – 00:44:58 – Designing crops and weeds for natural fertility, rather than relying on chemicals.
00:44:58 – 00:46:48 – Critical need: rethink reliance on chemical agriculture. Encourage listeners to explore permaculture principles in their own lives.
