Want to live in greater harmony with nature and create a more sustainable future? On this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of permaculture with Suraj, an expert in edible gardens, landscaping, land rehabilitation, and mangrove reforestation.
Suraj shares his journey from conventional farming to embracing permaculture principles. We discuss:
What is permaculture and its core principles of Earth Care, People Care, and Fair Share.
The environmental impact of conventional agriculture and the importance of regenerative practices.
The magic of compost and how to create your own nutrient-rich soil at home.
The difference between traditional landscaping and permaculture landscaping, and how to design a garden that mimics natural ecosystems.
The importance of mangrove forests, the threats they face, and Suraj's incredible mangrove reforestation work.
Practical tips to get started with growing your own food and incorporating permaculture into your life.
Timestamps
0:00 - Introduction
1:54 - What is Permaculture?
4:17 - Suraj's Four Focus Areas: Edible Gardens, Landscaping, Land Rehab, & Mangroves
6:16 - The Impact of Pesticides (Why "Natural" Doesn't Always Mean "Good")
8:31 - Eating Organic vs. Conventionally Grown Produce (Nutrient Density & Hidden Costs)
10:04 - Does Washing Produce Really Remove Pesticides?
13:53 - The Magic of Compost! (Mimicking Nature's Zero-Waste System)
18:20 - The Truth About Our Food System (The Disappearing Variety of Our Crops)
19:53 - Reframing Our Ideas of “Perfect” Produce (Looks Aren’t Everything!)
22:03 - Grounding: Why We Need to Get Our Hands Dirty
24:10 - Permaculture Landscaping vs. Traditional Landscaping (Embracing Biodiversity)
26:29 - How to Start an Edible Garden
28:48 - Suraj's Journey to Permaculture
31:59 - Land Rehabilitation and Mangrove Reforestation (A Closer Look at Suraj’s Work)
42:44 - The Plastic Problem & Protecting Our Oceans
45:27 - The Coconut Water Conspiracy (Convenience vs. Sustainability)
53:25 - How to Support Suraj’s Reforestation Efforts
54:38 - Rapid Fire Round