You probably learned about biodiversity in elementary school.
There are 1.8 million identified species on earth, the greatest biodiversity exists in the rainforest and tropics, and so on.
But why does biodiversity matter for a sustainable lifestyle?
In the fifth chapter of Cradle to Cradle, titled “Respect Diversity,” William McDonough and Michael Braungart describe the incredible biodiversity of the natural world and argue that human industry can mimic this vast diversity.
Below are my takeaways.
Sustainability is Local
McDonough and Braungart approach sustainability as a local phenomenon. Sustainable products and industry should reflect their environment.
What does that actually look like? For example, buildings should be constructed from local materials– wood from nearby forests and stone from local quarries. A building that adheres to the principle that sustainability is local would respect natural processes and characteristics of the area– such as the composition of the soil and how the sun can provide light and heat to the building.
Our natural environments are incredibly diverse and localized. No two streams or mountains are exactly the same. Likewise, human industry should be localized and customized to replicate and respect local environments.
Harnessing Natural Energy Flows
Energy to power locally-cognizant buildings should also reflect the diversity and uniqueness of its environment. For example, harnessing natural energy flows such as wind power and the sun can be much more effective while contributing to the richness of the local environment.
Eco-effective products harness energy in a way that is replenishing to the energy supply.
Economy, Equity, Ecology
Finally, McDonough and Braungart propose a new design framework that considers commercial, social and environmental factors.
This fractal represents three considerations seemingly in conflict: ecology (environmental concerns), equity (social issues) and economy (profit and commercial interests). Instead of existing in conflict, these considerations can actually support one another. For example, when considering economy and equity, questions of paying workers a living wage come into play. Between equity and ecology, we ask if workers have a safe working environment or if they are exposed to toxins in the workplace.
Used as a design tool, this framework allows designers to create products and solutions that consider environmental, social and commercial ramifications.
Biodiversity Matters Now More Than Ever
Why does this matter? As we attempt to create a more equitable society, environmental considerations must be at the forefront of our actions. Respecting the diversity of our local environments allows us to appreciate our role in creating a society that acknowledges and protects that natural beauty for each one of us to enjoy.
Previous Zero Waste posts:
- College Football, Ariana Grande, and Water - September 3, 2023
- Livestock and Land Use: How Are We Feeding The Planet? Impactfull April 2022 - April 19, 2022
- What Does Voluntourism Look Like? A Case Study in a Cambodian Orphanage - March 28, 2022