Photo by lucalocatelliphoto / A 3D scan of mycelium biomaterial is made at Ecovative Design in Green Island, New York, which is researching sustainable alternatives to plastic packaging—by using mushroom technology. This novel class of renewable biomaterial may replace petroleum-based products that take many years to decompose, if ever. The search for new materials is part of my March cover story for National Geographic magazine on the circular economy. By designing waste out of the production system, circularity aims to keep resources and materials in use while regenerating natural systems. Scientists say we only have a few years to halt and reverse our overconsumption, our emissions, and our wasteful attitude in order to save our changing climate, the natural habitats, and, ultimately, ourselves. While the circular economy is a promising solution, it is only one of the tools that may help. The truth is there isn't one single solution, yet each one of us can make a difference by ...