To envision sustainable communities, we look to design principles evolved since the advent of life on Earth. We can pattern human societies and institutions after the patterns found in sustainable ecosystems. We can also learn from traditional and indigenous societies that have thrived for centuries following these same patterns.
Inviting nature to be our teacher doesn't mean being sentimental about a kindly Mother Nature. We must remember that nature is also "a ruthless and unforgiving bookkeeper," as leading environmental educator and Center for Ecoliteracy board member David W. Orr describes. Nature teaches limits as well as possibilities, if we are willing to learn.
"Nature as our teacher" has several implications for schooling. It helps educators to focus on basic ecological principles to organize and integrate subject matter. It requires that we learn to think from the perspective of systems. It encourages schools to practice solving for patterns that address several problems simultaneously. It supports student health through practices derived from observing nature.
