Nature as Capital

The fundamental idea underlying the entire book is the idea that nature—its complete ecosystems and the mineral and chemical resources that make it up—is earth's and therefore humanity's most valuable resource. As such, it should be the guiding value that steers the structuring of our world economies. In manufacturing, it should be the last place we look for resources, and the first place we look for inspiration. Recycling and re-purposing elements we have already taken out of nature, we can allow the natural world to heal itself and return to the life-giving and climate-regulating mechanism it must be if life is to continue. Observing nature's ability to make very strong and versatile materials as well as highly effective pharmaceuticals without the use of toxic chemistry or high-energy, high-heat manufacturing should be our greatest resource as we move into a less destructive age...