Stacking functions is a concept I first heard from permaculturists, and it’s all kinds of cool and useful. Recently, it struck me that The Savvy Do Gooder Way involves a lot of stacking functions.

DollsSo what is it? Well, you know that old idea of killing two birds with one stone? Stacking functions is like that, but on steroids. It’s when one action accomplishes several goals.

Nature stacks functions all the time. A tree, for example, provides shade; stabilizes the soil; provides habitat for small creatures; produces food for animals and humans; fertilizes the soil with dead leaves; and more. All at the same time.

As you can see, stacking functions is incredibly efficient. Human beings may not have it nailed to the degree that Mother Nature does, but we can take a page from her book in our good works.

For example: going for a walk with a friend in your neighborhood is stacking functions. You’re saving the public purse by taking care of your health; combating urban isolation by getting out into the community; fighting crime by putting eyes on the street; and addressing mental health issues by strengthening your personal relationship with a friend.

How about installing a rain water capture and filtration system at your house or business? That conserves water; reduces strain on local utilities; saves money; and makes you more self-sufficient in a disaster situation when the public water supply might be contaminated or cut off.

It’s so great when one choice or action creates multiple benefits. Oddly, though, sometimes stacking functions leads to criticism. We often see people attacked because something they’ve done benefits them personally. This is a shame. If someone finds a way to create benefit for the earth/society/community and benefit themselves, I think we should be giving them awards, not running them down. That’s quite an accomplishment.

What other examples can you think of? I’d love to hear them!