SteveKLord

In recent decades, there has been an explosion of interest in these proliferating fungal networks, including mushrooms, which are the “fruit” of these organisms. Mycelia have been described as “the grand recyclers of our planet” because they disassemble larger molecules into simpler forms, creating ever-thickening layers of soil, unlocking nutrients, and sharing them in ways that can regenerate depleted environments. Some researchers believe that mycelium is a key to our evolutionary survival.

These densely interconnected networks have also evoked comparisons to the internet and have been nicknamed the “wood wide web.” In this analogy, mycelium functions akin to fiber optic cables by providing the infrastructure for a vast subterranean communication system. Apart from allowing plants and trees to share resources — sugar, nitrogen, and phosphorus — this network also allows them to communicate in the manner of a social network. While we have known for some time that trees “talk” to each other across significant distances using airborne hormones, we are just beginning to understand what occurs beneath our feet.

I prefer Suzanne Simard’s description of this network. Bypassing the technological metaphors, the forest scientist has shown how these fungal networks are patterned in ways that resemble the human brain (or perhaps more accurately, the human brain resembles these much more ancient networks). In the forest, trees actively perceive, communicate, and respond to one another by emitting chemical signals: “Chemicals identical to our own neurotransmitters. Signals created by ions cascading across fungal networks.”

Human activities have left a detrimental impact on the Earth and its environment – from oil spills leaking into the ocean to tons of plastic products overwhelming our landfills. Even if we were to alter our habits completely, much of the damage we have caused cannot be fully reversed. Researchers have tested numerous techniques to reduce the amounts of contaminants and pollutants in our environment, but many of these methods are expensive and time-consuming, yielding slow results. Fortunately, there may be a solution hiding right below our feet: fungi.

Known for their skills in biodegradation, fungi are typically thought of as organisms that break down organic matter – possibly decaying trees, fecal matter, or dead plants and animals. However, different types of fungi can also decompose, filter out, or absorb not only synthetic matter but also toxic compounds and contaminants. Scientists have been using this unique quality in fungi in a process called mycoremediation. This method may help clear our soil and water pollution and tackle our immense plastic problem.

Since 2020, Loop Biotech has been making biodegradable caskets out of mycelium, the root-like structure of mushrooms, and hemp. Unlike traditional wooden caskets, which are often treated with chemicals that leech into the soil, the company’s offerings are made of natural materials that enrich the soil as they biodegrade—a process that only takes 45 days after burial.

So far, Loop Biotech has sold about 2,500 caskets in Europe—primarily in the Netherlands, but also in Germany and other parts of central Europe. But Ancker-Robert’s father, Mark Ancker, has just become the first person in the U.S. to be buried in Loop Biotech’s mycelium casket, called the Living Cocoon. “It was dignified, and beautiful,” says Ancker-Robert, who buried her father in a forest clearing on his property. “I have confidence that my dad will be fully part of the garden by winter.”