Post 52. Ethnobotany - what is it?

 

What is ethnobotany?

Ethnobotany is the study of how people of a particular culture and region make use of indigenous (native) plants. [1] We use plants in our daily lives to provide food for us and for animals, to provide shelter, housing, textiles and fibres, industrial materials, oils, resins, waxes, dyes, gums. Since ancient times we have connected with plants for our wellbeing. 

Key natural plant fibres include wood, paper, flax, hemp, jute, which are used throughout the world. Natural plant based packaging e.g. paper has been used for generations as a food packaging, and this has been replaced in recent times by plastic. However our relationship with plants within our culture is getting a reboot with the focus on plant based packaging for food, especially to replace single use packaging based on fossil fuels with a more natural, lower carbon alternative.

Check out the range of products now being produced by companies such as Vegware  

Two Farmers are one example of a business that have developed their packaging that is 100% compostable.

How will our cultural relationship with plants change as we seek to improve wellbeing and adapt as we address climate change?

[1] https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/ethnobotany/