In the new Green Minds episode, Esther Vallado explores self-sufficiency with Max from El Mandala. Through lived experience and permaculture practice, they discuss how meeting basic needs can build resilience, confidence, and more sustainable ways of living.
In this episode of Green Minds, host Esther Vallado explores self-sufficiency as an essential eco-competence for sustainable and meaningful living. Joined by Max, founder of El Mandala, a permaculture-based learning centre in Asturias, Spain, the conversation examines how understanding and meeting our basic needs can foster happiness, freedom, and resilience.
Drawing on personal experiences — from walking St. James’ Way to building homes and growing food — Max explains how self-sufficiency helps people reduce consumption, reconnect with nature, and regain confidence in their own abilities. The episode highlights self-sufficiency as a response to today’s ecological and social challenges, showing how small, lived examples can inspire wider change.
The discussion also explores learning through head, hands, and heart, emphasising attitude, persistence, and hands-on practice over perfection. Educators and trainers are invited to see learning not as acquiring information, but as cultivating confidence and agency.
🎧 Listen to the full episode to discover how self-sufficiency can support ecoliteracy and regenerative futures.
