permaculture

[April Sampson-Kelly <askpv@ozemail.com.au>]

Yes, you can pick up toxins from imported matter
(that is things you bring into your permaculture system) 
Some matter is more toxic than others - some is
pretty low - but if you are going to use a lot and 
concentrate it somehow like composting or worm
farming -you'll get higher amounts and you are going to
have to deal with it on site - because in 
Permaculture we don't let pollutants out of our 
system - we minise and 
deal with them with filters etc.
Some toxic matter can include Horse manure
from recently de-wormed horses through to heavily sprayed
fruits.  Some toxin breaks down naturally in sunlight and
others need agents like bacteria.
On the issue of Paper - we don't compost anymore becuase we everything
directly as mulch or as feed for poultry etc.  We use office ink that is
water soluble and operate a surprisingly paperless office.  We use
imported newspaper and even cardboard but don't concentrate it --
it forms a really good weed barrier and basis for all the beds -no
dig and no soil beds - just mulch.
Does this answer some of you questions??
April