In this TED talk Fiorenzo Omenetto discusses the copious areas where society can economically and sustainably implement silk in breakthrough ways.  Silk can be used in almost any area of society including fiber optics, needles, cups, tattoos, medicine, sensory devices, and much more!

It seems like silk has the potential to single handedly usher in a new era of our materialistic culture.  Since it is easily biodegradable as well, why not?