An important aspect of permaculture is that we don’t exhaust the resources and services we rely on. This principle encourages us to work with natural cycles and ensure that everything we take can be renewed or replenished. When we talk about services, we mean the ways animals can support us: sheep grazing to keep the grass short, chickens providing eggs, and pigs rooting in the soil to prepare it for planting. Animals are integral parts of the system, but they must always be treated with care, respect, and consideration for their well-being.

Renewable resources such as sunlight, wind, water, and compost naturally replenish themselves, allowing us to build systems that are resilient and sustainable. Compost, in particular, goes beyond just animal manure—it includes plant material, kitchen scraps, and even human compost. While the idea of using human waste may seem unusual at first, it follows the same logic as responsibly using animal manure: nutrients are returned to the soil, closing the loop and minimizing waste. By understanding and applying this principle, we create gardens and ecosystems that are productive while maintaining long-term health and balance.