Diversity reduces vulnerability to a variety of threats and takes advantage of the unique nature of the environment in which it resides.

Look, we’re all different. Our physical characteristics, preferences, habits, and cultural norms differ, as do our economic resources, language proficiency, fashion sense, temperaments, etc.

It is simply how the universe is designed. As nature develops and changes, so do our capacities, skills, and preferences.

That is a vital part of our growth and evolution as a planet.

Diversity breeds resilience!

If one species, technique, or initiative doesn’t work in addressing a problem, another may.

The Power of Diversity

Designing diversity into our food systems, lifestyles, and businesses is a sure way to increase chances for security, productivity, and wellbeing. Look at it as a type of insurance.

We can see the converse in action with modern monocropping practices, which have proven to be incredibly fragile and prone to disease and pests.

• A diet rich in diverse colors and flavors provides a full spectrum of essential nutrients and minerals that the body needs to maintain wellbeing.

• Invite your kids to make dinner, now and again. The family might enjoy the switch up, and your children will learn empowering skills.

• Support small organic farms that work with dynamic regenerative systems, over monocultures that rely on unsustainable amounts of outside input (often toxic) to stay productive.

• Learn about companion planting, in your own garden, to include naturally pest discouraging elements that will keep your yield safe without needing to poison it.

• Ask for advice or feedback from individuals outside of your field of interest or profession to find unconventional insights for consideration.

• Start making friends with people from different cultural backgrounds.

• Provide facilities that encourage diverse participation. For example events with childcare so that parents with children can attend or translation so that non-English speakers can contribute to a discussion.

• Consider participating in and support alternate currencies, where available.

• Diversify your perception of what holds value. Ethan Roland & Gregory Landua wrote a great article worth checking out, discussing a study to identify what has come to be referred to as the “8 forms of capital”: social, material, financial, living, intellectual, experiential, spiritual, and cultural.

This is Part 12 of a 15 part series, pulled from the Permaculture Lifestyles Explained eBook, which contains over 100 tips for how someone might apply the permaculture principles to their life for greater efficiency, impact, and happiness. 

If you’d like to get the whole book to download and read offline, drop your email below and I’ll be happy to send you a link.

Reclaim your life from uninformed choices and outdated habits!