Permacomputing seeks to support sustainable and regenerative practices, playing a beneficial role in natural ecosystems, but until we can grow computers on trees, this goal remains largely aspirational. The whole electronic industry is based on using some of the most artificial materials ever created. The majority of computer components are firmly tied to complex, extractive and exploitative manufacturing processes linked to the semi-conductory industry. There is an increasing incentive and an increasing number of experiments to replace some physical parts of digital hardware with more sustainable materials, while rethinking how supply chains can be more ethical. How can this be encouraged? How can this be priositised? How can this be more than symbolic or marketting?

In the same sense, we can think of energy use, not just in terms of efficiency but also in terms of local impact. Stemming from the observed principle, see to what extent it is possible to work with (local) biological and renewable materials and resources. Not only does this minimise the ecological footprint of the supply chain, it also allows for a closer relation to nature. By using more basic kinds of materials, we attend to the labour of making which pushes us to reflect on conditions, resources, and access to resources as well as how energy is generated, materials decompose and matter is recycled. Crafting, DIY and idiosyncratic approaches to hardware design can help situate computing culture and reveal points of frictions.

What can YOU do

With or without a computer

  • Prefer systems that use lower power and limited network traffic
  • Mod, repair and customize your devices with natural materials and embrace a wide range of aesthetics (post-digital, intermedia, traditional, etc).
  • Use bioenergy and decomposition

If you are designing or building systems

  • Create low-power systems that strengthen the biosphere and use the wide-area network sparingly.
  • Minimize the use of fossil fuels and mineral resources.
  • Don't create systems that obfuscate waste.
  • Try to use natural, local materials whenever you can: wood, ceramics, stone, textiles
  • Design and build for older, reused materials and equipment
  • Think about physics and the problem of finite resources, like really.

Principle in action