The piece makes clear, "AS LONG AS THERE have been people living in proximity to cows, there have been people making use of their waste."

What's new, and interesting, is that the conversation is about the practical benefits, over the "ugliness" of the concept. This conversation is framed in a sustainability and environmental context, which in the face of climate change, is timely and relevant.

It's particularly poignant coming out of Italy, a culture where they pride themselves in their passion for design, and form over function, whether it is furniture, fashion, cars, etc.