In Part 1, we heard from the co-founders of ECOncrete®, the company that was awarded the 2020 Ray of Hope Prize® last week. Scientists Shimrit Perkol-Finkel, Ph.D. and Ido Sella, M.Sc. offer us more insight in the second part of our interview about how their diverse team comes together and what they hope to do with this year’s $100,000 grand prize.
After receiving this year’s $100,000 Ray of Hope Prize®, we sat down (virtually, of course!) with ECOncrete® co-founders Shimrit Perkol-Finkel, Ph.D. and Ido Sella, Ph.D.. These scientists have a vision: transform the way our future coastlines look and function by building marine infrastructure projects that benefit the environment and humans.
The art and science of biomimicry revolves around this seminal question — how do we create conditions conducive to life on this planet, for the long haul? How do we more seamlessly become part of “the regeneration”?
Environmental start-ups are reducing food loss by reimagining basic components of agriculture with nature in mind.
Climate change is bringing water up to communities’ doorsteps. What can we learn from nature to address these concerns?
With biomimicry, I’ve learned that it can be much more impactful to help people learn from nature. As you probably well know, the practice of biomimicry involves three core elements: Ethos, (Re)connect and Emulate. We typically hear about the emulation of natural forms, processes, and interactions when speaking about biomimicry; however, I believe the sustainability ethos and the ability to connect (or reconnect) with nature offer the most profound opportunities for mindshifts, for genuinely rethinking all of our human designs. As my colleague Erin Rovalo says, “ethos represents our respect for, responsibility to, and gratitude for our fellow species and our home”, and “(re)connecting is a practice and a mindset that explores and deepens the relationship between humans and the rest of nature”.
Contact us at hello(at)biomimicry.org!