Emily Chan
It may not have been something you’ve ever considered, but some of the most common funeral practices actually have negative effects on the environment. For instance, embalming fluids contain harmful chemicals, such as formaldehyde, which can seep into the ground and impact soil health.
Cremation comes with its own issues as well, releasing carbon and other noxious substances like mercury into the atmosphere.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, nearly two tons of mercury found in dental fillings were emitted by human cremations in 2014.
If you’re someone who’s all about sustainability and does everything in your power to reduce your environmental footprint, it might be frustrating to know that you’ll be polluting the Earth after your death. Well, there’s a way you can help make our planet greener even after you’re gone.
A Dutch startup company called Loop Biotech is selling biodegradable coffins made out of mushrooms that allow you to become one with nature within 45 days of burial.
The founders, Lonneke Westhoff and Bob Hendrikx said on their website that their mission is to “make humanity part of the natural cycle of life again.”
They were intrigued by the way that mushrooms are able to transform dead organic matter into nutrients for new life to thrive, which inspired them to invent the world’s first living coffin.
The coffins are grown from mycelium, the underground root structure of mushrooms, and can be created in just seven days in the company’s factory in the Netherlands, using local mushrooms and hemp fibers.
Together, the mushrooms and hemp make a strong and stiff vessel, with a soft bed of moss lining the inside on which the body is laid.
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