Nature's Operating Instructions: The True Biotechnologies (The Bioneers Series)

by Kenny Ausubel

Archiving ancient corn strains to guard against genetic pollution? Coating chainsaw blades with mushroom spores to speed forest regeneration? Growing crops that literally suck heavy metals out of damaged soil? These are not utopian fantasies but proven strategies developed by experts who understand that working with living systems, rather than suppressing them, is the key to creating a sustainable future.For this second volume in Sierra Club Books’ Bioneers Series, Bioneers founder Kenny Ausubel has gathered reports from scientific innovators in fields such as biomimicry (mimicking nature to restore environments and transform production processes); “living technologies” that break down toxics biologically; and ecologically sound design for industries and buildings. These are set alongside essays by visionaries like Paul Hawken, Terry Tempest Williams, and Michael Pollan that underscore the urgent need for working in harmony with nature’s intelligent design. Unlike the corporatized genetics that claims the name “biotechnology,” the true biotechnologies surveyed here illuminate a future of hope by “wedding human ingenuity with the wisdom of the wild,” in the words of contributor John Todd. Sector by sector—from energy and agriculture to transportation and land management—this book shows how we can emulate and adapt nature’s operating instructions to the benefit of all life on Earth.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction

Mass Market Paperback

First published October 1, 2004

Reviews

[Duh · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's what I'd refer to as a "tweener." It contains good variations in submission of bio-tech initiatives from several SMEs with holistic and practical perspectives. It is not directly supporting radical "Go Green" initiatives and it does not support capitalism's present concepts of faster and cheaper as is found in most prevailing business models. It is about harmonizing life, nature and sustainable practices/processes acknowledging, ALL life on this planet serve a purpose and provide value. I learned quite a bit and was introduced to some perspectives that will shape my view on such matters in the future. In the end, we are all stewards of this planet and life forms that exist. Agriculture and businesses need to be challenged, governed and not permitted to wield a bigger vote and remember, most life forms don't cast a vote!

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book contains a slew of essays from notables in the progressive environmental movement: the Lovins, John Todd, Paul Hawken, Janine Benyus, Wes Jackson, on and on.
This is an excellent entry point for folks interested in ecological disciplines (design, economics, agriculture, etc.).

I highly recommend it!

[Earththunder1]

Anything and everything from the www.bioneers.org group is excellent. I believe they are the forest fabric of the Northwest!!!