Designing a future that supports all species begins by asking what nature can teach us.

AskNature is a free, open-source database from the Biomimicry Institute that translates biological knowledge into clear, accessible language. It’s designed to help designers, engineers, educators, students, and innovators find inspiration for sustainable solutions by learning from how nature solves problems.

The site includes a library of more than 1,700 biological strategies—examples of how living organisms tackle challenges. Entries are organized by design function, so users can easily search for ideas based on specific questions, like “How does nature create color?” or “How does nature absorb impact?”

“At this point in our global ecological crisis, the survival of humanity will require a fundamental shift in our attitude toward nature: from finding out how we can dominate and manipulate nature to how we can learn from her.” - Jay Harman

WEBSTE: AskNature

Designing a future that supports all species begins by asking what nature can teach us.

We don’t spend much time imagining all the possibilities the future holds.

The challenge before us is learning to see ourselves, our communities, and the living world not as separate parts, but as participants in a larger web of relationships.

If we only see ourselves as we are now, we miss our ability to imagine, grow, and choose new paths.

What people think they can do together can shape outcomes as much as any policy or formal plan.