One of the most significant future transformations in the material sphere will be the development of a carbohydrate economy. This will be a global economy based primarily on renewable material feedstocks—as opposed to our current economy, which is founded largely on fossil fuels.
In addition to the transportation energy savings offered by resources that are close-at-hand, a renewed evaluation of material practices can enlighten the creation of new products
David Morris of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance reminds us that we used to have a carbohydrate economy: two hundred years ago, Americans consumed two tons of vegetables for every ton of minerals; but thirty-five years ago, we consumed eight tons of minerals for every ton of vegetables. Cambridge professor Michael Ashby has also chronicled humanity’s global journey towards a near-total dependence on nonrenewable materials. The implications of this trajectory are clear.
Despite our near-total reliance on nonrenewable feedstocks, however, the situation is gradually changing. Many countries now mandate biofuel use, for example. Bioplastics are quickly replacing petroleum-based plastics in many applications, vegetable-based inks and oils are becoming more commonplace, and agricultural products are diversifying. These changes, which I’ve outlined in more detail below, are exerting a direct influence.
Increasing renewable resources
Plant-based feedstocks exhibit two benefits over other renewable resources: biomass is a natural store of energy and carbon, and it can be made into real, tangible products which can be worked with.
The first necessary transformation towards a carbohydrate economy will involve the expanded development of renewable resources, including both agricultural and forest-based products. This will include a rapid increase in the production of biopolymers for a variety of uses—from simplistic substances like packaging and films to complex products like microprocessors and composite panels for automobiles. Wood will also be processed in new ways that enhance its durability and functionality, and an increased number of mutant hybrids formed by the merging of wood and plastic will appear.
Plant-based feedstocks exhibit two benefits over other renewable resources: biomass is a natural store of energy and carbon, and it can be made into tangible products. However, significant challenges impede the rapid industrialization of biomass resources, including increased competition with food and energy markets, unsustainable harvesting practices, and the need to create more incentives for farmers. Considering these impediments, we must practice a thoughtful approach towards the expansion of bio-based feedstocks.
A new foundation
The realization of this new material milieu will require significant transformation. As David Morris says, “We may be changing the very material foundation of industrial economies.” The carbohydrate economy won’t happen overnight, but it is already underway. Moreover, once this new economy has matured, it will define our future reality. It is therefore important that designers understand the imminent material transformations in order to lead, rather than follow, the inevitable change.
—
Post from Hello Materials
great article
Outstanding feature
mexico pharmacies prescription drugs: mexican pharmacy online – mexican drugstore online
mexican drugstore online
https://cmqpharma.online/# п»їbest mexican online pharmacies
mexico drug stores pharmacies
Very interesting info!Perfect just what I was looking
for!Expand blog
canadian king pharmacy canada drugs canada pharmacy online
indian pharmacy: indianpharmacy com – reputable indian pharmacies
http://indiapharmast.com/# Online medicine home delivery
legit canadian pharmacy: canadian pharmacy oxycodone – canada pharmacy online
indian pharmacy: buy prescription drugs from india – world pharmacy india
mexico pharmacies prescription drugs п»їbest mexican online pharmacies п»їbest mexican online pharmacies
canadian pharmacy online ship to usa: canada pharmacy online – canadian pharmacy checker
canadian pharmacy 365: canadianpharmacyworld com – online canadian pharmacy review
http://canadapharmast.com/# maple leaf pharmacy in canada
top online pharmacy india top 10 pharmacies in india top online pharmacy india
canadian pharmacy ltd: canadian pharmacy store – canadianpharmacymeds com
mexico drug stores pharmacies: buying from online mexican pharmacy – п»їbest mexican online pharmacies
mexico pharmacies prescription drugs: п»їbest mexican online pharmacies – mexico pharmacies prescription drugs
https://indiapharmast.com/# best india pharmacy
top 10 online pharmacy in india buy medicines online in india india pharmacy
cross border pharmacy canada: canadian pharmacy meds – canadian pharmacy 365
canadianpharmacy com: best canadian online pharmacy – best canadian online pharmacy
mexican border pharmacies shipping to usa: buying from online mexican pharmacy – mexican rx online
https://ciprodelivery.pro/# ciprofloxacin
http://doxycyclinedelivery.pro/# purchase doxycycline without prescription
https://doxycyclinedelivery.pro/# doxycycline 100mg capsules price
http://ciprodelivery.pro/# buy cipro
https://clomiddelivery.pro/# cost of clomid pills
http://paxloviddelivery.pro/# paxlovid buy
https://doxycyclinedelivery.pro/# where can i buy doxycycline over the counter
https://ciprodelivery.pro/# cipro pharmacy
http://doxycyclinedelivery.pro/# cheap doxycycline tablets