Nature-Inspired Design: Biomimicry and Cradle to Cradle

Abstract

Rapid science and technology development, as well as population growth and solving global problems require a different approach to considering and solving these problems by including many scientific disciplines or technologies. The growing amount of waste and unsystematic depletion of natural resources impose new concepts and tools in creating new environmental products. The existing linear economy, based on the ‘take, make and dispose’ principle, is being replaced by a new approach, the ‘circular economy’. A circular economy seeks to sustainably manage natural resources, extend product lifecycle and reduce waste. Some of the directions or tools in a circular economy are biomimicry and cradle to cradle. Biomimicry seeks to solve problems by imitating natural processes, while cradle to cradle tends to reduce waste using knowledge obtained from nature. Understanding of nature, its systems and cycles will provide analogies and models for creation of innovative solutions to global problems.