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We recognize the importance of forests as major carbon sinks, and that the promotion and management of forest systems is critical in addressing climate change. As designers, we too play a role in promoting living forests and reducing carbon. 

Modest's primary focus is utilizing plant-based materials (carbon capturing) vs carbon emitting (synthetics), and supporting sustainable cultivation systems: We're particularly interested in systems that convert degraded landscapes - such as cattle ranches, back into forested landscapes that are sustainably managed and that support

small-scale farmers and rural communities. 

 

The following research is the work of students who over three years researched over 150 different species of plants from Central America that have been used traditionally as material sources. Information has been collected from a variety of sources (Wikipedia, Practicalplants.org, Plants For a Future - PFAF, scientific publications) and easily organized

with the designer-audience in mind.