Janine M. Benyus is a science writer and lecturer on environmental matters.

Benyus is a graduate of Rutgers University with degrees in forestry and writing. and lives in Stevensville, Montana.

She is the author of seven books including Biomimicry (ISBN 0060533226). In this book she propounds her basic thesis that human beings should imitate nature in their designs and solutions to problems. Her nine basic principles of biomimicry are:

1. Nature runs on sunlight.
2. Nature uses only the energy it needs.
3. Nature fits form to function.
4. Nature recycles everything.
5. Nature rewards cooperation.
6. Nature banks on diversity.
7. Nature demands local expertise.
8. Nature curbs excesses from within.
9. Nature taps the power of limits.

Authored Works

Biomimicry : Innovation Inspired by Nature by Janine M. Benyus (Paperback - Sep 1, 2002)

Beastly Behaviors: A Zoo Lover's Companion : What Makes Whales Whistle, Cranes Dance, Pandas Turn Somersaults, and Crocodiles Roar : A Watcher's Guide by Janine M. Benyus and Juan Carlos Barberis (Paperback - Oct 1993) Northwoods Wildlife: A Watcher's Guide to Habitats by Janine M. Benyus (Paperback - Jul 1989) The Secret Language & Remarkable Behavior of Animals by Janine M. Benyus and Juan Carlos Barberis (Hardcover - Jan 10, 1998) The Field Guide to Wildlife Habitats of the Eastern United States by Janine M. Benyus (Paperback - Jun 15, 1989) Wildlife in the upper Great Lakes region a community profile (SuDoc A 13.78:NC-301) by Janine M. Benyus (Unknown Binding - 1992) Out of Print--Limited Availability Christmas tree pest manual by Janine M Benyus (Unknown Binding - Jan 1, 1983)

(information referenced from search at http://www.amazon.com)

External links

• Biomimicry Web Portal - Institute, Guild, Studies and Resources
• Biomimicry talk from Pop!Tech 2004 on IT Conversations
• Interview with MassiveChange radio from October 2003
• 7 Short Interview Clips with Janine Benyus on Big Picture TV

American nature writers