Permaculture is unique among alternative farming systems (e.g., organic, sustainable, eco-agriculture, biodynamic) in that it works with a set of ethics that suggest we think and act responsibly in relation to each other and the earth.
The ethics of permaculture provide a sense of place in the larger scheme of things, and serve as a guidepost to right livelihood in concert with the global community and the environment, rather than individualism and indifference.

Care of the Earth
...includes all living and non-living things – plants, animals, land, water and air

Care of People
...promotes self-reliance and community responsibility – access to resources necessary for existence

Sharing Resources
...gives away surplus – contribution of surplus time, labour, money, information, and energy to achieve the aims of earth and people care.

Permaculture also acknowledges a basic life ethic, which recognizes the intrinsic worth of every living thing.