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Permaculture itself is really a broad-based and holistic approach that has a multitude of applications to all aspects of life.
At the heart of permaculture design and practice is a fundamental set of 'core values' or ethics which remain constant whatever your situation. These values come into play whether the person is creating systems for town planning or trade; or whether the land they care for is only a windowbox or even perhaps an entire forest. These 3 'permaculture ethics' are often summarised as follows;
Earthcare the recognition thatthe Earth is the source of all life (and is most likely itself a living entity- known as Gaia) and that we respect and recognise that the Earth is our valuable home. This recognition includes the fact that we are a part of the Earth, not apart from it.
Peoplecare ie helping and supporting each other to change our ways of living so that we are not harming ourselves or the planet, and to develop healthy concious societies.
Fairshares (or placing comsumption limits) - or ensuring that the Gaia's limited resources are utilized in ways that are both equitable and also wise.
Of course, everyone needs to eat. The issue of food production really where permaculture had its origins. It began with the belief that in order for people to feed themselves sustainably, then they need to move away from reliance on industrialized agriculture methods of farming. Where modern farms used mostly fossil fuel driven technology that specialised in each farm producing high yields of only a single crop, permaculture would stress that the value of low-inputs into the land and the diversity in terms of what was grown was a better function. Small farms and home gardens are the ideal model for this... | 
