Biomimicry means taking ideas from nature and incorporating them into modern engineering, technology and chemistry. For example, most plants get their energy from sunlight and we get our energy from burning fossil fuels. Doing so would help us reduce the use of toxic chemicals and the amount of pollution. We should look to nature to solve our sustainable world challenges. 

Biomimicry can be utilized in many industries such as energy, fashion and architecture. For instance, termites are nature’s great architects. We can use methods inspired by them to overcome architectural challenges. There is an office in Zimbabwe that has a climate control system modeled after one similar to a termite mound. The building expends 90% less energy than a conventional building. It also saves the owner money on air conditioning costs. Additionally, a development was being constructed in India. Many biomimicry techniques were used to prevent drought. For example, a water diversion system was modeled after ant colonies. 

Researchers at the University of Massachusetts have created incredible technology using biomimicry. Phd candidate Mike Bartlet created GeckSkin™  along with his research team. GeckSkin™ is an adhesive modeled after Geckos adhesive abilities. This technology is revolutionary. A GeckSkin adhesive the size of an index card can hold 700 pounds. It is great for hanging items such as televisions.

Biomimicry is very valuable to the future of technological innovation. It is vital that companies start moving away from inefficient, environmentally irresponsible methods. Biomimicry may be the answer to many of these problems. It is important to spread the idea of biomimicry in order to promote sustainability.

Sources:

https://www.buygeckskin.com/about

https://geckskin.umass.edu/

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/how-biomimicry-is-inspiring-human-innovation-17924040/