Tire Gardening: Syracuse, NY 6/12/10
Legitimate indeed. Far from condoning or disapproving this method, it is an option for many people. And honestly, based upon my own (albeit not comprehensive) Internet research, and that published by others, I have yet to find any published research that provides the scientific basis for the leaching concerns related to whole tires. Ground up tires – yes, burning tires – yes, neither of which I would suggest. Any citations that could be shared here would be invaluable. ~Frank
On Jun 8, 10:00 am, “Michael Burns”
wrote:
> > Michael et all: This might not be the best workshop to attend or > > advertise. Back in 1986, when I took my Permaculture Design Course from Dan > > Hemenway at Genesis farm, we learned that Mollison is not always correct. >
> I’m not sure how Mollison connects to this issue, but yeah… sure. >
> > Dan noted that tires should not be used for islands in ponds, in gardens, or > > in house foundations because they contain cadmium… [snip] VOCs… >
> This is a very legitimate issue.
>
> > magazine. This is something that needs to be taught. Word needs to get > > around so people do not do things like this. Maybe we need a workshop on > > dangerous practises that only seem harmless, and a screening program for > > workshop ideas that can spread ignorance en mass. This is a case where what >
> Email lists like this can “screen” or discuss ideas and methods. >
> MB
Upstate NY Permaculture Network 
I have to agree with Frank on this one. I was designing a child’s garden for my PDC class in NYC, and wanted to include tire gardens and a tire playground. After very extensive research, I also couldn’t find any solid scientific reports to suggest that a tires contact with the ground was hazardous. If Michael has any official (and recent) info that suggests otherwise, it would be great if he were to share it.
Happy planting!
Corinne
I don’t have any evidence. I just felt that Christopher’s concerns seemed reasonable and should be discussed or researched. I’ve used tires for terraforming, and building simple dams.
I also wasn’t sure what was the connection he was drawing between use of tires and following Mollison’s ideas. I never specifically saw building with tires as a permaculture method. I’ve seen people all over central and north America use tires as building material who have never heard of permaculture or even care about sustainable design. Christopher then pointed out (with specific references) how many times tires are pictured or mentioned in Mollison’s Designer’s Manual which may suggest that those who adhere to an orthodox, Mollison-like version of permaculture design (I’ve never met such a person) would fetishize tire use or downplay the concern.
I still don’t think tire-building is a “permaculture method.” The principles and methods of permaculture design are too broad to really focus specific building materials. But if a quality of tires is found to be the leaching of toxics I doubt the type of person who practices permaculture design would be interested in using them.
MB