Nature's Operating Instructions: The True Biotechnologies

by Kenny Ausubel (Editor), Paul Hawken (Foreword), J. P. Harpignies (Editor)

Archiving 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 have discovered how to exploit the innate intelligence of living systems to create “true biotechnologies.”
The Bioneers (“biological pioneers”) are a network of scientists, writers, economists, artists, and other leaders with practical and visionary solutions for our most pressing environmental and social challenges. Their annual conference draws global attention, and its most inspiring presentations become source material for books in the Bioneers series.
In this volume, Bioneers founder Kenny Ausubel gathers reports from leaders in the fields of biomimicry (mimicking nature to restore environments and transform production processes), “living technologies” that break down toxics biologically; and ecologically sound design for buildings and industries. These are set alongside essays by such writers as Paul Hawken, Terry Tempest Williams, and Michael Pollan that underscore the need to work in harmony with natural systems. Unlike corporatized genetic manipulation, the “true biotechnologies” explored here illuminate a future of hope by wedding human ingenuity to the wisdom of the wild.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction

256 pages, 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!!!