
Mushroom coffins: The great opportunity from human parasites to symbiosis
We human parasites can still contribute something positive to the natural cycle. That is, if we do not have our dead bodies buried in a conventional coffin.
Instead, we could use mushroom coffins to transform our bodies into new, nutrient-rich soil so that new things can grow and thrive from us again.
Mushrooms are fascinating creatures. They cannot be clearly assigned to plants, but are much closer to the animal kingdom, as they do not have photosynthesis pigments and therefore have to obtain food from other organisms. That's why they are considered the recycling experts. Since they are neither plants nor animals, they have been given their very own kingdom within the framework of eukaryotic living beings.
What a strange idea not to see the mushroom in the forest, which always maintains its place, as a plant. For us humans, the most fascinating world of fungi remains hidden underground in the invisible. Because mushrooms have had a network like the World Wide Web for much longer than humanity. Underground, mushrooms form the mycelium – a “network” – through which entire forest regions are connected. This network-like connection exists not only between the mushrooms, but also with other plants and trees. Fungi can pass on important nutrients from plants to other plants via their network. ( Source )
Of course, we are not happy about all mushrooms. Because not all mushrooms enter into such a beautiful symbiosis as described. Skin fungi or mold are not welcome in the living room.
Mushrooms as recycling experts
Since mushrooms are living creatures that need to feed, they can make an excellent contribution to the decomposition process. You can e.g. E.g. wood, leaves, fruits, pine cones, etc. decompose. This creates various nutrients that can be returned to the soil and thus to other plants and animals. A wonderful recycling cycle. The mushroom turns “old” into “new”! Nature is made richer by feeding mushrooms.
Completely different from us humans. We take and rarely if ever give anything in return. We take living space and resources without anything in return. Building wide highways through beautiful forests. We pollute the air, water and soil. We use materials that are not degradable and some end up in the oceans. Not so with mushrooms.
The idea for the mushroom coffin
The researcher at Delft University of Technology (Netherlands), Bob Hendrikx, had the idea to design a living coffin based on his knowledge of the mycelium of mushrooms. The goal of this particular coffin is to decompose and compost dead bodies using fungi. Even toxins in the human body can be removed by the fungi in the decomposition process. This decomposition process creates better, more nutrient-rich soil and ensures better growth.
Unfortunately, humans, who are largely parasitic, can still enter into a positive symbiosis with nature using their dead bodies through the mushroom coffins and become a useful part of the cycle of nature. Our decomposed bodies allow plants, flowers, mosses, trees, etc. and also fungi to thrive again.
Conventional coffins vs. mushroom coffins
Buried in a conventional coffin, it takes up to 12 years for a human body to completely decompose. With the help of mushroom coffins, this period can be reduced to just 2 to 3 years. This can also counteract space problems in cemeteries, as graves can be used again much more quickly.
What is the coffin made of and how much does it cost?
The outer walls of the mushroom coffins themselves are made of wood chips and mycelia (the mushroom networks). Inside the coffin lies a bed of moss, plant roots and a number of living microorganisms. According to the manufacturer, production takes place without the use of heat, electricity or light.
Native mycelia are placed in a fit with wood chips and grow into a coffin within 7 days. It is then dried to stop growth. If the coffin comes into contact with moisture and earth again, the mycelia come to life again and start their work again. The coffin itself dissolves within 30-45 days, which can accelerate the body decomposition process.
The start-up “Loop” based in Delft (Netherlands) sells the mushroom coffins. In a 2020 article it was offered for around 1,500 euros per coffin. At the time, the company assumed that the price would fall as demand increased. Just two years later, the ORF reported that a coffin currently costs around 990 euros. So there is a price reduction, as predicted.
Author: Elke Haberl, Mimikama
Source:
Standard , ORF Vienna , Loop-of-Life , Boredpanda
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