Integritus Prime

Continuing our journey of learning from nature and using biomimicy’s life’s principle of being locally attuned and responsive, we are looking at another strategy in this post: using readily available materials and energy.

Nature is an amazing teacher. When we look at birds, they use locally available leaves, twigs and other bits and pieces to build their nests; bees collect nectar from nearby flowers; birds and animals find a watering hole such as streams or pools of water close by. Also, the main source of energy is sunlight, which plants use to make glucose, and animals, especially cold blooded ones like snakes, use for warmth.

In work settings, we benefit from using locally available materials. For construction, we use wood, cement, sand and steel from nearby suppliers. In offices, we obtain office equipment and stationery from local suppliers. This keeps the cost down and ensures after sale service – except for those materials that are not available locally. We can also benefit from using locally available consultants and advisers, and this supports the local economy.

For energy, we could use the best freely available source from sunlight (solar power). Harvesting the sun’s heat for energy and using solar power is not only free but clean when we harness it using green architecture. Using sunlight as much as possible in offices and homes is beneficial. Having tables next to windows for work purposes or putting skylights for better lighting in rest areas where bright lights are not needed, are very good examples. Similarly, hydropower is also very useful and rain water harvesting is another way to use water that is locally available for activities like washing clothes, flushing toilets, and gardening. Alternative sources of energy such as from coal and oil are harmful to nature, polluting our air and contributing to climate change.

In our personal lives or at home, we can use locally available foods for meals. They ensure availability and freshness, not to mention additional benefit of cost saving compared to imported foods. Also, we can use what is plentiful such as seasonal foods. This strategy also applies to when we travel or live temporarily in another country. Be mindful and use locally available foods for nutritious meals, and/or travel by public transport.

Currently, we have lots of pumpkin in season as well as avocados and green leafy vegetables, so we make the most of this fresh produce. Similarly, in summer we use sunlight for drying our laundry and sun-dry raw fruits or vegetables that we want to pickle.

Do you have more ideas to share on how to use readily available materials and energy? Feel free to share in the comments and let’s learn together.