top of page
Food Forest Podcast
as guest
Why most intentional (food forest) communities fail
Peter Bane
In this inspiring episode, permaculture elder Peter Bane opens up about decades of experience building eco-villages and resilient communities across North America. From founding Permaculture Activist to mentoring generations of designers, Peter reflects on the real dynamics behind communal living – money, conflict, governance, and the importance of intergenerational balance. He emphasizes that successful permaculture begins with people and place, not just plants, and highlights how intentional communities can become models for a more harmonious future. His reflections offer grounded hope for humanity’s transition toward ecological and social regeneration.
Key takeaways
- - Peter Bane has shaped the permaculture movement for over 30 years.
- His Permaculture Activist magazine helped build the movement across North America.
- Thriving eco-villages need strong community bonds and reliable financial foundations.
- Community life naturally involves friction, especially between generations.
- Tension can become a catalyst for growth and resilience.
- Diverse age groups create balance and long-term sustainability in intentional communities.
- Wealth can support community building – when power is shared fairly.
- Effective permaculture design always starts with understanding land and people.
- Permaculture offers practical responses to modern ecological and social crises.
- Realistic hope comes from learning with nature and each other.
Useful links
- - “Scale of Permanance” by Luiza Oliveira – https://shorturl.at/87Xs6
- Permaculture Design Magazine Website – https://www.permaculturedesignmagazine.com/
- Earthaven Ecovillage Website – https://www.earthaven.org/
- Permaculture Institute of North America Website – https://pina.in/
STAY IN THE KNOW
bottom of page