Integrate Rather than Segregate

Function stacking and polycultures are two examples of the eighth principle.  There are social implications as well. In todays consumerist economy it may seem difficult to implement integrated systems, however once put into practice these multi functional, inclusive designs can increase resilience and productivity even in times of low yield.
Integrate Rather Than Segregate
The smart phone is the epitome of a function stacking device. It is a library, a communication device, it can be used to document and share historical moments. You can use it to view landscapes and design systems with its gps capability. As a navigation tool it is extremely useful. Indeed the smart phone has become a valued permaculture tool.
We can use this principle in our home construction methods as well, creating closed loop systems that serve more than just the human occupants. In residential heating some fabulous innovation has taken place. We can easily integrate cooking with water and space heating, all the while reducing fuel consumption dramatically. Many cities all over the world are now realizing the need for better management of our water supply and distribution. We can function stack wastewater management with aquaculture through the use of aquaponics and biofiltration. Many of the most innovative systems are being developed by the permaculture community.
Integrating diversity in food crops can reduce or often eliminate problems associated with pests and diseases. A monocrop is incredibly fragile. If it suffers an infestation or blight it is doomed. The farmer is at a loss, his livelihood possibly at stake. By integrating diversity into the farm and allowing animals to work the landscape you increase the resiliency of the farm. If you lose one crop you still have multiple others to chose from, and you also have a protein source available if you are really stuck.
A community works in the same way. A diverse blend of individuals that each bring a different value to the whole. If one member suffers the others group around them to help them through their hardship. The whole community comes out of it stronger. If they were to segregate the individual during his time of weakness they are at risk of losing his value to the community.
By sharing these ideas with you I hope to the same. Grow a resilient community that cares for each other and the earth, so we can pass on a better world to our children.