The Science in Mushrooms
The human mind is extraordinary. Everything we have now was once an idea stemming from the unconscious. As you read this blog post and stare at the computer screen, you are utilizing something thousands of years ago humankind would have ridiculed. An idea that grew and made the world a better place.
Now in our generation, those ideas and contributions have led to the innovation of mushrooms. These innovations challenge society’s current views of the fashion industry. With hopes of finding creative solutions to protect our planetary boundaries, researchers have turned to regenerative resources. How astonishing is that? To face the crisis of pollution in the fashion industry, we are going back to using something the planet is already providing. Mushrooms are fungi that can survive in a wide range of conditions. A simple yet powerful organism that shifts our perspectives by providing an alternate way of creating textiles.
Underneath mushrooms, there is a root system called mycelium. Researchers have found a way to use mycelium as a natural resource for fashion. In my previous blog post, The Future of Leather, I wrote about using mycelium to create leather. Now we are learning how to produce leather without harming animals and in a faster timeframe. Many well-known brands are partnering up with these innovative companies to enhance their sustainable lines. One brand I would like to recognize would be Adidas’ collaboration with Bolt Tread. Adidas reinvented its Stan Smith shoes by using mycelium. This phase of innovation in the fashion industry is only the beginning. As consumers demand companies find alternatives textiles, researchers will continue exploring different ways to create a fully circular fashion supply chain. A supply chain where clothing can decompose and even clean the polluted soil.
It doesn’t stop at textiles. Mushrooms are innovating their way into other industries. Here is a video of a biotech company in New York City using mushrooms to create bacon and Styrofoam. Another idea in development is using mushrooms as building materials. What if one day our home will be made out of biodegradable mycelium bricks? The science in mushrooms combined with the human mind makes creative solutions limitless.
Happy September, friends! Thank you for reading today’s blog post. I have never been a fan of summer so I’m extremely excited for the seasons to change again. My next two blog posts will be about fall/winter trends and tips on taking care of your wardrobes. Until then, what other ways do you think mycelium can be used to save the planet?
Resources: Adidas, Circular Fashion, Reishi, TedTalk: 6 ways mushrooms can save the planet
PC: Sindy Lun