“Biomimicry is an approach to innovation that seeks sustainable solutions to human challenges by emulating nature’s time-tested patterns and strategies.” The Biomimicry Institute (https://biomimicry.org/)
In other words, it means observing and studying nature to inspire us to find solutions to our problems and needs. Example: studying the pigments in butterflies wings to create dyes; studying jellyfish for their bio-luminescent properties; learning from termites nests to create sustainable buildings… the list is endless and ongoing by your own nature-like inspiration. The further from nature innovations are, the more waste and contamination they produce.