Biomimicry Institute
Asking Nature, and how to build a career!
For resource Friday, today I’m sharing the major resource for biomimicry. Unsurprisingly, it’s the Biomimicry Institute — Nature-Inspired Innovation. You’ll find introductions to the field along with plenty of youth-oriented educational and adult-oriented business-related resources, including an accelerator for creative folks working on biomimicry-inspired inventions.
AskNature
From more of a layperson’s perspective, do check out the essays and collections at AskNature, an initiative sponsored by the Institute.
It’s an astute observation that we humans are actually a young species on the planet. Does this explain why we’re such upstarts? We might indeed gain wisdom from the species and systems that have operated successfully on Earth for ages.
We need the wisdom of the ages — and from our planet-mates.
Here’s the AskNature teaser:
Why Ask Nature now?
Because we can’t afford not to.
We have the innate potential to create a world that is harmonious, regenerative, and supports the well-being of all Life. As a young species, we are fortunate enough to have guidance to help us rise to this challenge. Our planet-mates, the fantastic meshwork of plants, animals, and microbes, have done billions of years of research and development. The time is now to collaborate globally to design this world for the future of all species. It begins by asking nature.
AskNature is a field guide to the natural world, designed to draw your eye to what we can learn from nature (not just what we can learn about it). Get your bearings and get ready to explore.
Need a place to start? Check out the following pages. Handy, informative field guide indeed.
the collection How Does Nature Encourage Resilience?
the collection Energy in Nature
the strategy Trees and Peat Capture and Store Carbon
Get your bearings, and get ready to explore.
Learn Biomimicry
Want to take it a step further? Another initiative of the Institute is the collaboration with Learn Biomimicry, a platform offering courses for adults and even a certification program for biomimicry practitioners.
The program is recommended by Trish Kenlon of Sustainable Career Pathways as a worthwhile professional certification for those wishing to train up and embark on a career in sustainability. Published at GreenBiz, Trish’s helpful career resource lists Learn Biomimicry in the Circular Economy category.
Hint: there is a lot more to explore via Sustainability Career Pathways list of certifications and on the website.
Prize-Winning Videos
Last, but not least, if you love inspiring videos, check out Biomimicry Institute’s YouTube channel. There is a new video on plastic waste up after a few quiet months. Mind-blowing things here.
And a personal plug: my daughter-in-law is an accomplished graphics and video designer, and her agency, Root House Studio, has worked to create prize-winning videos for the Biomimicry Institute. Watch them on YouTube!
Cool, huh?
