BIODEGRADABLE MUSHROOM COFFINS

A Dutch startup has created a biodegradable “living coffin” made of mycelium, the root structure of mushrooms. It is “grown” in a week by mixing mycelium with wood chips in the mould of a coffin. After the mycelium has grown through the wood chips, the coffin is dried and can carry up to 200 kgs. Body decomposition is estimated to take three years, instead of the usual 10 to 20 years. The coffins cost $2,300.