Biologically inspired materials could revolutionize materials science. People looking at spider silk and abalone shells are looking for new ways to make materials better, cheaper, and with less toxic byproducts.
Janine BenyusRead
Biomimicry is innovation inspired by nature. In a society accustomed to dominating or 'improving' nature, this respectful imitation is a radically new approach, a revolution really. Unlike the Industrial Revolution, the Biomimicry Revolution introduces an era based not on what we can extract from nature, but on what we can learn from her.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Biomimicry is the practice of drawing inspiration from nature for innovation, promoting a harmonious relationship with the environment.
This quote by Janine Benyus emphasizes a transformative approach to innovation, suggesting that rather than exploiting natural resources, we should observe and learn from natural processes. It contrasts the extractive mentality of the Industrial Revolution with a new mindset that fosters respect for nature, advocating for a symbiotic relationship where human ingenuity is inspired by the wisdom embedded in the natural world.
Themes
BiomimicryNatureInnovationSustainabilityRespect
In practice
Example use cases
During a conference on sustainable design, this quote can illustrate the importance of learning from ecological systems.
More from Janine Benyus
All quotes →Everyone is trying to jump on the biomimic bandwagon. But a cork floor is not biomimicry. Neither is using bacteria to clean water.
Janine BenyusRead
For a long time we have thought we were better than the living world, and now some of us tend to think we are worse, that everything we touch turns to soot. But neither perspective is healthy. We have to remember how it feels to have equal standing in the world, to be "between the mountain and the ant . . . part and parcel of creations," as the Iroquois traditionalist Oren Lyons says.
Janine BenyusRead
The truth is, natural organisms have managed to do everything we want to do without guzzling fossil fuels, polluting the planet or mortgaging the future.
Janine BenyusRead
Biomimicry is basically taking a design challenge and then finding an ecosystem that's already solved that challenge, and literally trying to emulate what you learn.
Janine BenyusRead
The most irrevocable of [natures] laws says that a species cannot occupy a niche that appropriates all resources--there has to be some sharing. Any species that ignores this law winds up destroying its community to support its own expansion.
Janine BenyusRead
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