The use of organic waste for the creation of new materials that could replace traditional ones is only one of the possible paths that must be urgently explored. It is a way of relating two separate problems, which together have the capacity to produce reciprocal solutions, and at the same time to generate positive effects on a social, economic and environmental levels. Finding alternatives to the exploitation of limited resources became in the last decade, one of the most explored field of research perhaps, but as far as the construction sector is concerned, the change must be more radical, given the complicated network of relationships that connects this specific field to the rest of society and its economic actors. To make this large-scale transition possible, it is necessary to rethink all the mechanisms of the architectural practice, construction, design, planning, but also (and above all) project financing, governance, legislative and economic agents, institutions. While it is necessary to encourage the development and growth o alternative practices, there should be, on the other hand, a discouragement of unsustainable ones, such as the excessive mobility of goods. Every professional working in this sector need to be ready to question their role in society. And this questioning must result in an in-depth study of the entire complex mechanism of all the parts revolving around architecture, and society in general. How to modify each component in order to produce a different model of development, where the ultimate goal is not the immeasurable accumulation of capital but a society in balance with itself and with the planet? Technology is now totally intertwined with all aspects of our existences, therefore the approach should, on one hand, look at geotechnologies, while developing, on the other hand, geopolitical frames, in order to make sure our future metabolic loops would actually be socially viable  In this context, a different kind of institutions would be needed, one that could operate at a planetary scale. The idea of a Non-Extractive Architecture, which questions the acceptance of the creation of externalities* is now a necessary paradigm. Although it will take time, which is necessary to imagine new development models and acquire new habits, the invitation to discuss them and to outline different solutions must happen now. The role that design must have from now on, should be to translate emerging environmental awareness into informed and collaborative responses. Personal responsibility is always the first step towards any form of change, which is why we felt it is important to turn our attention, and yours, to this issue.