Hi Reader,
Our economy is made up of millions upon millions of different materials, many of which have been synthesized from originally natural inputs but end up having polluting, hazardous outcomes during their production and end of life. The issues with microplastics, for example, have been well publicized and occur in part because it’s normal for things to break down over time—in fact, everything in nature does that organically— but synthetic polymers can’t be absorbed back into nature as they break down, so they just get absorbed into different bodies and cells.
In this edition of Interconnected, we’re exploring the possibilities and progress in the bioeconomy, which is the use of natural inputs sourced in sustainable and regenerative ways to provide alternatives to synthetic and petrochemical-based materials. The field is expanding and is a vital part of the circular economy.
READ
The Bioeconomy and New Biomaterials Advancing It
In our new bioeconomy and biomaterials article, Leyla explores the evolution of the bioeconomy and how it fits into the circular economy, dissects some of the persistent issues within this space, and highlights 13 new innovative bio-based materials.
Nature-Based Solutions
Nature-based solutions are an approach to solving industrial and social problems through actions that sustainably manage, restore and protect natural and human-modified ecosystems, whilst also benefiting humans. The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions is a global standard that helps stakeholders shape solutions that are effective for nature with 8 criteria and 28 indicators; it is accompanied by a guide and an online self-assessment tool.
"Nature-based solutions leverage nature and the power of healthy ecosystems to protect people, optimize infrastructure and safeguard a stable and biodiverse future.”
IUCN Source
Nature Positive
A note from Leyla:
Imagine if companies gave nature a seat at the table when making decisions that affect the natural world? Or what if they saw nature as a key supply chain partner that needs to be respected and treated in a way that would continue the relationship? Our current economic system externalizes everything to do with nature as a system of sustaining life; in fact, under the current linear economy, nature only has “value” once resources have been extracted from it—we don't account for any of the services that nature provides whilst intact! (I took a deep dive into this in my TEDx talk, How do we value invisible things?)
That's where nature-positive as a methodology has emerged. The idea is that most actions are presently nature-negative, meaning that resources are extracted and processed producing pollutants and waste that then return to nature and cause harm, but by using nature-based principles and considering the complex systems at play in nature, decisions.
Nature Positive presents a global plan for nature by 2030 supported by the United Nations.
"It is estimated that one million species are threatened with extinction, with the drivers of biodiversity loss due to the direct or indirect results of unsustainable human action.”
UN Source
Check out the Protected Planet Report, a biennial publication that assesses the state of protected and conserved areas around the world.
Whilst the extreme threat we face from biodiversity loss, species extinction and natural system destruction can be overwhelming, there is a growing global movement to account for and ensure that nature is represented for its true and total value. Part of the needed transformation is to understand the impact that actions in the economy have on the natural world and to take proactive actions to restore and regenerate ecosystems. These two movements are helping to enable that transition, but we all need to advance awareness and respect for the natural world.
LISTEN
What's the bioeconomy?
The bioeconomy is a quickly evolving space, and there are several aspects to it, from alternative resources made from biological inputs to biotechnology. This episode of the AllThingsBio podcast provides an overview of the full bioeconomy landscape and how it affects our lives.
REFLECT + ENGAGE
Spread the word about the sustainable use of nature
A global cohort of scientists, academics and industry representatives are calling for the establishment of global metrics and technical standards for the bioeconomy and the bioeconomy to avoid the sector becoming monopolized by a small number of large industry players.
They have released a report, Engineering Biology Metrics and Technical Standards for the Global Bioeconomy, that summarizes the findings of an international effort to discuss the needs and priorities for standardization for areas of biological material and technology development.
There is a growing call for alignment and sustainable utilization of bio-based materials.
“A global bioeconomy must rebuild natural capital and improve the quality of life for a growing world population. It should balance managing common goods, such as air, water and soil, with the economic expectations of people. Three types of innovation will be needed: technological (such as systems to reduce emissions), organizational (changes in institutional behaviour) and social (such as job creation)." -
Source
Check out this article in Nature on the 5 cornerstones of a sustainable bioeconomy and help to spread the word about the sustainable use of nature!
LEARN LIVE ONLINE
Circular Economy ISO 59000 Series Workshop
The second cohort of our ISO 59000 Workshop Series is wrapping up, and we've just added a new opportunity for a third cohort in Spring 2025!
- What is it? An advanced-level look at the new ISO Circular Economy standards, this Workshop includes practical guidance and activities that assist in the implementation of the standards and support consultants in delivering advice on the CE ISO 59000 series.
- When/where is it? Join from anywhere with wifi! Sessions will be on April 22, 24, 28 and 30 from 10am-12pm (GMT) / 5am-7am (EST) / 7pm-9pm (AEDT)
- Who’s it for? This workshop is for practitioners in CE and sustainability, business decision-makers, those who want to implement the standards in their businesses, and leaders who need to respond to international CE legislation.
- Key content covered: Aside from going through each of the 3 main standards, you will learn about additional advancements globally and locally, as well as systems thinking and life cycle thinking skills, which are now embedded in the new standards.
Tiered pricing is available, and if you need an invoice for reimbursement from your organization, just let us know. Click here to learn more and register.