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The willow feeder system is a sustainable and "freaky-cheap" method of managing human waste, developed by permaculture innovator Paul Wheaton as an alternative to traditional septic systems and sewage treatment plants. This innovative system transforms human waste into a nutrient-rich fertilizer, called "willow candy," through a process of mummification. Instead of composting the waste, as in composting toilets, the willow feeder system relies on a dry environment within sealed garbage cans to prevent decomposition and the survival of pathogens. A small amount of sawdust is added to the cans, primarily for aesthetics. After two years of aging, the "willow candy" becomes pathogen-free and can be safely used as fertilizer. This material, rich in carbon and nitrogen, is particularly beneficial for "poop beasts," a term used to describe trees like willow, cottonwood, poplar, and bamboo, which can tolerate and thrive on the high nutrient levels. By turning human waste into a valuable resource for growing these beneficial plants, the willow feeder system embodies the core principles of permaculture, promoting a closed-loop cycle that minimizes waste and environmental impact.
HUSP, an acronym for "Horticulture of the United States of Pocahontas," represents an advanced, nature-centric agricultural system envisioned by Paul Wheaton. It goes beyond contemporary permaculture, envisioning a future where food production systems have undergone centuries of optimization, inspired by traditional Indigenous practices that existed before European colonization. HUSP posits a hypothetical United States of Pocahontas (USP), where agriculture prioritizes harmony with nature, rejecting environmentally harmful practices like plowing and the use of petroleum-based fertilizers and pesticides. This system would not only produce abundant, nutritious food, but also lead to improved human health and a thriving health tourism industry within the USP. Achieving HUSP in the real world necessitates collaborative experimentation and knowledge exchange between permaculture, biodynamic farming, and native plant cultivation practitioners. This would involve a 2,000-acre plot divided into smaller sections, where experts can develop and refine HUSP principles, fostering innovation and leading to a future where food production systems are deeply integrated with natural ecosystems. Crucially, this project requires a supportive environment with minimal government regulation to encourage creativity and accelerate progress toward a truly sustainable agricultural future.
Hugelkultur, meaning "hill culture," is a sustainable permaculture gardening method that uses buried wood to create raised garden beds. This technique involves layering logs, branches, and other woody debris at the base of the bed and covering them with soil. As the wood decomposes, it acts as a sponge, retaining moisture, improving aeration and drainage, and releasing nutrients, reducing the need for watering and fertilizers. Hugelkultur beds are ideal for growing various plants, especially those that prefer well-drained soil. By harnessing the natural process of decomposition, hugelkultur promotes a thriving garden ecosystem and aligns with permaculture's goal of sustainable systems.
The willow feeder system, developed by permaculture expert Paul Wheaton, offers a "freaky-cheap" and sustainable alternative to conventional septic systems and sewage treatment plants. This system employs a unique method of managing human waste, transforming it into a nutrient-rich fertilizer known as "willow candy." Unlike composting toilets, which rely on decomposition, willow feeders utilize sealed garbage cans to create a dry environment that mummifies the waste, effectively eliminating pathogens while conserving valuable carbon and nitrogen. A small amount of sawdust is added to each can, primarily for aesthetics. After aging for two years in these sealed containers, the resulting pathogen-free "willow candy" is ready to be applied as fertilizer. However, not all plants can handle the high nutrient content of this unique fertilizer. "Poop beasts", such as willow, cottonwood, poplar, and bamboo trees, thrive on "willow candy" and readily absorb its nutrients. The willow feeder system exemplifies permaculture principles by turning human waste into a valuable resource, fostering sustainable gardening practices and minimizing environmental impact. Paul Wheaton, a prominent figure in the permaculture community, has implemented the willow feeder system at his property, Wheaton Labs, and actively promotes it through his online platforms, including permies.com. He often refers to waste as a "feed" for another system, encouraging a shift in perspective towards a more holistic view of resource management.
"Pooless," a popular concept within the permaculture community, involves eliminating commercial shampoos and soaps for a more natural approach to personal hygiene. While the initial transition can be challenging, user feedback reveals a range of positive outcomes. Many individuals, like the user in source, report that after an adjustment period, their hair reaches a natural balance, becoming less oily and requiring less frequent washing. Some, like the user in source, note improvements in hair texture, with increased body and curl, despite occasional waxiness or static. The user in source highlights the importance of the vinegar rinse after a baking soda wash to smooth the hair cuticle and prevent tangles. Source describes the psychological shift required to embrace the absence of the "slimy/silky" feeling associated with commercial conditioners. Furthermore, source suggests a potential link between reduced scrub-downs and fewer allergic reactions and illnesses, possibly due to the preservation of beneficial probiotics on the skin. Overall, user feedback suggests that "poolessness," though requiring an adjustment period, can lead to healthier hair and skin, aligning with permaculture principles of minimizing chemical use and embracing natural processes.