Biomimicry & the Organic Farm

This is going to be a year unlike others. A year, in many ways, when it finally begins to come together.

We’re at a wonderful nexus of ideas and deeds and developments. After what feels like generations of stagnation -- and worse -- it feels as though we’ve finally come to a place a eco renaissance. Ideas like these, reported here on Newsvine, can make your brain sweat; can make the hair on your arms stand up in excitement. Imagine:

Biomimicry is the utilization of designs, systems, materials, or processes originating in nature and applying these to human use. The application of such is often more sustainable and more efficient than similar human attempts.

There’s much to be excited about here. Much to be cautious about, as well. As a species, we’ve done a tremendous job sometimes of rushing into things without taking a good look around. Still, some of this is tremendously exciting. Imagine, using organically farmed materials to replace some things necessary for modern life that are currently made out of some truly nasty materials.

Imagine being able to use spider web in place of Kevlar, or in place of the cables of a suspension bridge. Or using a sealant based off of the lotus plant on your shower walls, and never having to clean your shower again. These are only a few of the exciting innovations biomimicry makes possible.

If you’d like to read more about biomimicry, there’s interesting information here, here and here. Meanwhile, 2010 is going to be an exciting year. I can feel that already, from where I’m standing. I’m looking forward to embracing it with you.