fungi
Newsletter
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Is fungus fabric really taking off?
Despite growing interest, biodegradable materials like mycelium leather face challenges in significantly reducing fashion waste due to scalability and overproduction issues.
In short:
- The fashion industry generates an estimated 92 million tons of waste annually, largely from polyester and cotton fabrics.
- Innovative materials like mycelium leather are being developed but struggle to scale up due to financial and production challenges.
- Experts argue that reducing overall production is essential to addressing the environmental impact of fashion.
Key quote:
“I genuinely think the biggest solution isn’t the easy one because it’s the one that requires these large fashion companies to make significantly less money. It’s just to make less stuff and to pay more for that stuff and to look after what we have.”
— Monica Buchan-Ng, head of knowledge exchange at the Centre for Sustainable Fashion
Why this matters:
Biodegradable fabrics have the potential to lessen environmental damage, but without addressing the root issue of overproduction, the fashion industry's significant waste problem will persist. Overproduction is a deeply ingrained issue, driven by fast fashion's relentless cycle of new trends and disposable clothing. Even if mycelium leather were to be produced at scale, the industry's wasteful practices need to be addressed to see a meaningful reduction in waste. Sustainable materials alone cannot solve the problem if the overarching consumption patterns remain unchanged.
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Credit: Neslihan Gunaydin/Unsplash
Teaching youth to heal land and community with fungi
In Denver, Spirit of the Sun is guiding Native American youth to use mycelium for environmental restoration and community nourishment.
In short:
- Spirit of the Sun integrates Indigenous wisdom with modern ecological practices, using mycelium to detoxify soil and improve food security.
- The mycelium project not only enhances soil health but has also produced significant agricultural yields, demonstrating the potential for broader environmental and community benefits.
- Education programs aim to reconnect Native youth with their cultural heritage, emphasizing respect for nature and the interconnectedness of life.
Key quote:
“Our genetic makeup comes directly from the water we drink and the soil we eat from. Most of the soil in the Denver area is depleted of nutrients, so we have to constantly add nutrients back in. Mycelium is like a nervous system that does its job in conjunction with nutrients in the soil. There are so many positive benefits to soil that is healthy and alive; it is connected to our food, our ceremonies, our language, and our stories.”
— Shannon Francis, executive director of Spirit of the Sun
Why this matters:
Traditional ecological knowledge, passed down through generations, includes an intrinsic understanding of the cycles of life and the roles of various organisms in maintaining healthy landscapes. Modern ecological practices are increasingly drawing on this wisdom, integrating it with scientific research to develop innovative solutions to environmental challenges.
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Fungi's role in environmental cleanup and construction innovation
In Cleveland, a novel approach harnesses fungi's power to address pollution and housing crises.
In short:
- Scientists explore fungi to decompose toxic waste from abandoned homes, transforming it into construction materials.
- The process creates "mycoblocks," a sustainable alternative to traditional building materials, stronger than concrete.
- This initiative not only tackles waste management but also aims at reducing carbon emissions significantly.
Key quote:
"I think mycelium will be the unsung hero of climate change."
— Joanne Rodriguez, founder and CEO of Mycocycle
Why this matters:
Scientists and environmentalists are exploring innovative uses of fungi to tackle various waste challenges, from breaking down plastics to transforming agricultural byproducts into valuable commodities.
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Credit: PlazacCameraman/Big Stock Photo
Unlocking soil's carbon storage potential through fungi
By delving into the world of underground fungi, farmers like Timothy Robb are revolutionizing soil health, leading to robust crops and enhanced carbon sequestration.
In short:
- Farmers are leveraging fungal networks to enrich soil, improve plant health, and store carbon, moving away from chemical-dependent practices.
- This approach is part of a broader shift towards regenerative agriculture, emphasizing the importance of microbial diversity and soil ecosystem balance.
- Innovative farming methods, including the use of compost tea and wood chip mulch, promote fungal growth and carbon capture in soil.
Key quote:
" ... it’s a methodology of introducing the microorganisms that are absent from the soil—the chain of organisms that release different minerals from rocks, clay, or silt particles in the soil.”
— Timothy Robb, co-owner of Compostella Farm
Why this matters:
Understanding and applying the symbiotic relationships between fungi and plants can drastically improve agricultural sustainability and combat climate change. This shift toward nurturing soil microbiomes not only enhances crop resilience but also plays a significant role in carbon sequestration, offering a hopeful avenue for mitigating global warming.
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Image by beauty_of_nature from Pixabay
Can we create 'living buildings' made of fungi? And could they help us adapt to climate change?
A team of Vancouver academics is spanning the boundary between microbiology and architecture, thanks to oyster mushrooms and other common fungi. It could help construction's environmental impact, and help with insulation and even air quality.
Photo by Jesse Bauer on Unsplash
The rush to map underground fungi networks before they’re gone
What these scientists learn could help save these crucial networks elsewhere in the planet as climate change threatens them.
Can hidden fungal networks help save earthly existence?
Merlin Sheldrake, a biologist and author, is doing his best to show the world all the amazing things fungi can do to benefit life on a damaged planet.
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