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This question come from Robert in Indiana, USA. He asked:
Do you think getting a PDC would help if one day I wanted to start a sustainable lawn service or some sort of backyard permaculture business?
My answer to this is a firm yes, but not only because of the knowledge imparted, but because of the copyright on the word Permaculture. It is a protected word and you must hold a Permaculture Design Certificate, awarded for having taken the class, in order to use it. Now, there are no Permaculture Certificate police running around checking on these things, but you may be challenged on it. Take the PDC, gain the knowledge, and use it freely.
Here is more information on the copyright issue:
http://www.permaculture.net/apd/permaculture_use_and_copyrights.htm
http://www.midwestpermaculture.com/PermacultureCertification.php
This is a sample site assessment I did on a project, so you can see a possible service to offer clients as a Permaculturist, using the knowledge gained in a PDC. I’ve removed the name and other identifiers of the client. The greenhouse mentioned in this assessment is located on private property and has not been used for some time. It was being offered to a group of individuals for their use. At that time the agreement was very informal, which lead to the questions about right and ownership. One of my biggest concerns was that the site would be repaired only to have it taken away with little or no recourse for the volunteer group.
Greenhouse Site Assessment (PDF)
Questions? Contact me!
Email: show@thepermaculturepodcast.com
Phone: 717.798.8100
