Biomimicry

In modern times it is often said that "mother nature knows best".

This truism, which has been around since time immemorial was recently incorporated in the term biomimicry first popularised by the book of the same name written by Janine Benyus[1] who explains biomimicry as a method of solving problems that uses natural processes and systems as a source of knowledge and inspiration. It involves nature as model, measure and mentor. In nature photosynthesis balances respiration and recycling is the norm. By studying Nature "we learn who we are, what we are and how we are to be.”[2]

The theory behind biomimicry is that natural processes and systems have evolved over several billion years through a process of research and development commonly referred to as evolution. A reoccurring theme in natural systems is the cyclical flow of matter in such a way that there is no waste of matter and very little of energy. As the waste from one plant or animal is the food or home for another nature is the most frugal economist of all. There is a strong need for similar efficiency and balance in our techno-process.

As peak oil start to bite and the price of transport rises sharply We should not just be recycling based on chemical property requiring transport to large centralised sophisticated and expensive facilities, we should be including CO2 and wastes based on physical properties as well as chemical composition in composites whereby they become local resources.

Jackdaws and Bower Birds Recycle Based on Physical Property

The Jackdaw recycles all sorts of things it finds nearby based on physical property. The bird is not concerned about chemical composition and the nest it makes could be described as a composite material. TecEco cements are benign binders that can incorporate all sort of wastes without reaction problems to make composites of the future. We can do the same as the Jackdaw

More information on biomimicry - geomimicry can be found under our section on sustainability.


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[1] John Harrison invented the word geomimicry in the same tradition of biomimicry to describe the way in which both N-Mg and TecEco Eco-Cement mimic geological processes depositing CO2 as solid carbonate and using wastes as aggregate.

[2] Benyus, J. M. (1997). Biomimicry, Innovation Inspired by Nature, Harper Collins Books.