Mycelium : Future Of Eco- Friendly World

Thesis statement:
Mycelium bio-composite gives many advantages which are easily grown from
agricultural waste products, its characteristics are strong and fire resistance, and
mycelium are biodegradable,producing zero waste and no health risks proven.

Point 1 : Easily grown from agricultural waste products

Supporting detail :
a) Mycelium composites are made possible by the mycelium itself in which it will
break down the food sources before using up all the nutrients. This process allows the
mycelium to eliminate all the unwanted substances from the wastes such as
hydrocarbons, plastics, unrefined oil and nuclear waste. We agree with this statement
as it has been proven that, by using mycelium, it can cut the cost to seed the mycelium
for mass production.

b) For example, for a company to produce new shoes, they will have to require lots of
materials that could be harmful and high cost. Materials such as animal leather,
plastics and chemicals are used to produce these products. This is not only high in
cost, but it also will emit lots of harmful wastes to the surroundings.

c) When mycelium bio-composites are mixed with waste products, it can be an

alternative material for a variety of sectors such as construction design and food
industry. Therefore, we agree with this statement. This is because mycelium
bio-composites are shown to be versatile in producing lots of goods that can be used
in various sectors.

d) As an example, mycelium bricks are used as an alternative to replace the commercial

bricks. The process of making these mycelium bricks is by using the spores that are
mixed in an organic waste and are placed in a mould of desired shape of the bricks.
This mycelium then will undergo a certain process to help its growth and to remove
the bacteria to ensure the safety of these mycelium products for users.

Point 2 : Strong and fire resistance

Supporting detail :
a) Mycelium has 25 MPa of tensile strength of mycelium binder. We agree with this
statement as it shows that mycelium-bio composite can be used as an alternative to
some industrial goods.
 b) Research and development is still in search of finding an alternative in increasing the
strength of mycelium so that it will give benefit in terms of strength and can be used
widely and commonly in the future. As an example, the strongest brick ever known
has a strength of 130 MPa. Studies and development of mycelium composite can be
undertaken to increase its strength thus widen its usage in construction and increase
the safety of users of mycelium composite bricks.

c) Other than that, mycelium composites are also fire resistant and are not flammable
like products made of plastic. We agree with this statement as mycelium has the
characteristics of non-flammable which enable them to withstand high temperatures
when heated up.

d) This enabled many industries to produce environmentally friendly products.

Containers made from mycelium composites are more durable compared to
polystyrene or plastics because they contain mycelium foams which are proven
stronger than polystyrene foams or polyurethane foams.

Point 3 : Biodegradable, no waste and no health risks proven.

Supporting detail :
a) Mycelium composites can be used for creating new conventional products as it is
recyclable. We agree with this statement as it shows that mycelium composite is
proven to be a perfect option replacing products that can harm our nature thus
bringing a vision of an eco-friendly world to the future.

b) As we know, recycled products are becoming a top choice for everyone to preserve
nature. Compared to non-renewable products such as plastics, the mycelium
composites are another product that meets the criteria of products that can sustain
nature as it is recyclable then being converted into other products thus reducing the
usage of new materials to produce new goods. Plastics cannot be recycled causing its
waste cannot be reused then causing harm to our nature due to its chemical contents.

c) Mycelium contains biologically active proteins and antioxidants, making them a

curative food to prevent various degenerative diseases such as osteoporosis and
alzheimers. From this we know that mycelium is not only harmless to people but it
also can act as a cure to diseases and gives out nutrients to human beings.

d) For example, mycelium contains important nutrients such as fibres, minerals and
vitamins that can give benefits to humans. Not only that, restorative compounds
contained in mycelium such as glucans, lectins, and tocopherol are helpful to cure
various types of cancer and tumour.

Conclusion : Mycelium bio-composite is proven to be an option in achieving the

sustainability of our nature when mycelium composite products are being used commonly
replacing commercial goods nowadays. Although the research on development of mycelium
composite products is still ongoing, the characteristics of mycelium based on recent studies
has shown that mycelium can be used to produce more eco-friendly goods in the present.