The sun is the origin of all energy.

The sun with the hand represents the reciprocal relationship between the sun and humanity.  Just as we need the sun to survive, the sun will not last forever without external inputs.  Energy is never created or destroyed.  Our bodies, nature, and our universe are all interconnected closed-loop systems: systems in which permaculturists wish to mimic in design.  Regenerative designs can be created using biomimicry: modeling nature’s patterns within intentional human design.

Ted Talks on Biomimicry

Janine Benyus: Biomimicry in action

Janine Benyus: Biomimicry’s surprising lessons from nature’s engineers

Michael Pawlyn: Using nature’s genius in architecture

“By developing systems that collect resources when they are abundant, we can use them in times of need.

This icon for this design principle represents energy being stored in a container for use later on, while the proverb “make hay while the sun shines” reminds us that we have a limited time to catch and store energy.” -Holmgren’s Permaculture Principles