There's a fungus among us -- and it may revolutionize green building! Mushrooms (similar to the kind we eat) are emerging as a groundbreaking alternative to manufactured building products.
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An artist and inventor in California recently made headlines when he unveiled a structure built entirely from
mycelia, a mushroom-like organism that grows underground and can live for thousands of years. And while the structure is really nothing more than an impressive curiosity, it hints at what could be one of the most innovative
building products we've seen in a while.
Scientists have been investigating mycelia and its potential to change green building as we know it. Why? Apparently, it's one of the most durable and sustainable materials there is. This ubiquitous fungus is coveted for being incredibly strong, water-resistant, non-toxic, hypoallergenic and 100% biodegradable. It also insulates better than most manufactured materials.
So far, commercial products made of mycelia include a packaging material, already on the market, and a Styrofoam substitute, due in 2011.
As fans of mushrooms (the edible kind) and
green building, we can't wait to see this innovation grow!
To read the entire story, head over to Networx.
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Reader comments (Page 1 of 1)
I guess I don't understand what they said in this artical, they said that this mushroom is strong, water resistant, lasts a 1000 yrs. and all the rest...sounds nice untill it got to 100% biodegradable. If it's water resistant and lasts for 1000 yrs. then how is it biodegradable?
ReplyEasy, you just throw hash on it, and watch it disappear! LOL
It can live for 1000 years, when it dies, it biodegrades.
Damm good question.
ReplyTrish needs to re-read the 1st paragraph,,,,
ReplyIt says " Lives ",,,,,
Not " Lasts ",,,,
Reading and comprehension are taught in 4th grade elementary school English.