00351 Type 1 Errors

A stitch in time saves nine. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

A type 1 error is anything that creates more work, expense, and hassle than it is worth or puts you or others at risk of hazard and harm.

Years ago in a fit of enthusiasm, I rushed out and planted a persimmon tree. I didn’t give good thought as to its location and I planted it right over the water line that connected the city’s water main to my house. That was a Type 1 error, which I realized when we had to replace part of the water line. Oops.

Attempting to use a technology beyond the scope of the site and the abilities of those who live there is a Type 1 error.

Sloppy observation, leading to poor design decisions, is a Type 1 error.

Using permaculture for an evil end is a Type 1 error. (Don’t use permaculture to design a factory that makes biological warfare weapons.)

Designing systems, routines, or structures that create hazards for you and your household is a Type 1 error.

Arming governments with nuclear weapons is a Type 1 error.

A basic rule of permaculture design is “Avoid all Type 1 errors.”