Connor Finnerty

Internship Description:

Whole Systems Design

Working with Ben Falk at Whole Systems Design, I had the opportunity to gain experience with hands-on permaculture techniques. Permaculture is a design system that seeks to improve the health of people, and the planet, and reduce consumption. Energy consumption is very relevant in permaculture design, especially in Vermont where it takes a great deal of energy to heat homes in the winter. Ben’s approach to this is to use locally sourced firewood, which he uses in a retro-fitted wood stove for heating, cooking, and hot water. We learned how to split the wood, and learned the proper ways of stacking. Other techniques such as swale and rice paddy construction, and passive solar design meet the needs of the homestead while reducing the need for energy inputs.