Politicization Towards Environmental Justice in the Modern Permaculture Movement

Abstract

Permaculture design philosophy aims to create zero-waste, self-regulating ecosystems based on three core ethics: Earth Care, People Care, and Fair Share. However, most permaculture projects remain highly individualised, limiting the realisation of People Care and Fair Share. This paper investigates whether applying Julian Agyeman’s Just Sustainability framework—which emphasises the explicit politicisation of environmental initiatives—could better fulfil these two ethics. Through a systematic literature review of 65 articles and 10 key informant interviews, the study found that self-expression is central to permaculture practice, with food cultivation serving as a means of representing personal values. Additionally, permaculture is covertly political: its prioritisation of environmental sustainability is inherently political, regardless of whether practitioners label it as such. The paper argues that the social impact of permaculture is hindered by apolitical perspectives and a lack of critical justice frameworks. Adopting Just Sustainability would help redirect permaculture toward community-oriented actions, support local food sovereignty, and strengthen the implementation of People Care and Fair Share. This requires fully acknowledging permaculture as a political act—not merely a reflection of personal beliefs, but as a practice that shapes and responds to political systems, directly affecting communities.