It is a term used by Permaculturists and is the point of Permaculture; treat this life (the "world") as a whole system of which we are a part, rather than as a set of resources (separate from us: objectified) to be exploited for profit, regardless of externalized costs.
Permaculture is a word originated by Bill Mollison and David Holmgren while considering whole systems in the context of agriculture in Tasmania. Permaculture principles as a set of ideas or design tools are in flux, as the movement's leadership is diverse and democratic, with new knowledge added all the time, so this series of posts will become dated quickly.
With the exceptionally dissipative fossil fuel system rapidly approaching a EROEI
Energy Returned On Energy Invested) of 1:1, the consequences: famines, resource wars, revolts, and corporate and governmental
collapse appear unavoidable now.
Those who have been feverishly working to create
sustainable practices may or may not find a way for humanity to
muddle through but remain the only game in town. There have been a number of related or similar efforts, such as the Satoyama Initiative or Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms, or Global Ecovillage Network.
I think the ethic (the "three ethics") as stated on permacultureprinciples.com is spot on. "Earth Care, People Care, Fair Share." Viewed through the monist glass, we can say that all this is Earth Care, people and their basic needs being a part of the holistic whole.
Here are the principles again:
1. Observe and Interact. By taking the time to engage with
nature we can design relevant solutions.
2. Catch and Store Energy. Developing systems to collect
resources when abundant, we can use them in need.
3. Obtain a yield – Ensure that you are getting useful rewards
from your work.
4. Apply Self Regulation and Accept Feedback – Efficient or
resilient systems require noting and correcting inefficient or
non-resilient practices.
5. Use and Value Renewable Resources and Services – as
opposed to non-renewable resources.
6. Produce No Waste – “Waste not, want not.”
7. Design From Patterns to Details – Observe patterns in
nature and society. Test their appropriateness broadly,
rather than losing yourself in detail.
8. Integrate Rather Than Segregate – By putting the right
things in the right place, relationships develop, creating
efficiencies and resiliences.
9. Use Small and Slow Solutions – Small is beautiful.
10. Use and Value Diversity – “Don’t put all your eggs in one
basket” -- be resilient.
11. Use Edges and Value the Marginal – These are often the
most valuable, diverse and productive elements in the
system.
12. Creatively Use and Respond to Change – We can have a
positive impact on inevitable change by carefully observing
and then intervening at the right time.
And, we'll go over them one by one.
An ethical life is one that is mindful, mannerly, and has style. Of
all moral failings and flaws of character, the worst is stinginess of
thought, which includes meanness in all its forms. Rudeness in
thought or deed toward others, toward nature, reduces the chances
of conviviality and interspecies communication, which are essential
to physical and spiritual survival.
-- Gary Snyder, The Practice of the Wild