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　　Benyus believes/that we face environmental problems,/not because there are no solutions,/but because we have not been looking in the right direction.// Actually,/we can solve many problems,/especially in the area of design,/by looking to nature for inspiration.//
　　Engineers in Japan had a problem:/Shinkansen  trains made a very loud sound/when going into tunnels.// To solve this problem,/the engineers turned to the kingfisher,/a bird that dives into water/without a splash.// They found the solution:/they designed the nose of the train/in the same shape as the kingfisher’s beak.//
　　The Eastgate Center in Harare,/Zimbabwe,/is famous for its environmentally friendly air conditioning system.// The architects who designed this building/were inspired by termite mounds.// Termites keep their living space/at a comfortable temperature/by opening and closing small holes/in their mounds.// The architects used a similar system/for the Eastgate Center/and saved electricity.//
　　Lotus leaves/are one of the most water-repellent leaves/in the world.// Because of their rough surface,/even a little wind/causes water and dirt/to roll cleanly off.// Now,/a rough surface has been introduced/into a new generation of paint,/glass,/and cloth.// It is especially useful/for raincoats and sportswear.//