Nature-Based Solutions to Address the Plastics Problem Biomimicry

The challenge of plastic is complex and multidimensional. When coupled with ambitious environmental policies and climate targets, it is imperative to explore advanced sustainable strategies, continuously evolving regenerative paradigms, and solutions that radically improve the previously affected social and planetary health. Efforts and effective strategies for plastic source reduction are essential in the long term. Yet, there are various high-risk applications made possible by the unique features of plastic that cannot be simply reduced. Integrating a science-based system level methodology into design practices increases the ability of global market to capitalize on opportunities that promote environmentally responsible design, research, and development practices. Biomimicry is a nature inspired design methodology that not only can advance Zero Plastic Waste strategies but also facilitates the move towards achieving the Paris goals globally. This chapter looks at the opportunities and barriers for enabling the necessary paradigm shift for system-level transformative innovation at the intersection of science, engineering, and policy to proactively respond to the increasingly destructive impacts of plastic.