Fungi are nature's quiet custodians, breaking down organic matter and returning vital nutrients to the soil through their root-like structures, known as mycelium. Inspired by this natural process, Brazilian mycelium composite brand Mush has reimagined how we might approach our final chapter with a mycelium-based urn designed to decompose safely and sustainably.
In collaboration with Furf Design Studio, Mush has developed "Sail," an urn shaped like a sailing vessel, drawing inspiration from the words of Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa, who once proclaimed, “Sailing is necessary.”
The urn is designed to biodegrade gently when exposed to open air, making it an ideal choice for those who wish to honour a loved one by sending them out to sea. The poetic design ensures that, over time, the urn will naturally return to the environment, much like mycelium returning nutrients to the earth.
For those who prefer to keep the urn indoors, Sail is durable enough to be displayed indefinitely in dry conditions. Its innovative use of biodegradable biomaterials offers a sustainable alternative to traditional funeral options, which often contribute to soil pollution through chemically treated caskets. Moreover, the mycelium-based urn is more affordable than conventional metal vessels, making eco-friendly choices accessible to more people.
Mush, a startup founded by scientists, has already gained recognition for its use of mycelium in the production of lighting and other homewares. The creation of a mycelium-based funeral urn may seem like a surprising departure for a company focused on products for the living. However, as Furf Design Studio emphasizes, sustainability shouldn't only apply to life but also to how we approach the end of life. "Smart dying" is as crucial as "smart living" in our journey towards a sustainable future.
With Sail, Mush offers a thoughtful and environmentally conscious option for honouring the end of life, aligning with their mission to integrate sustainability into every aspect of our existence, even after we are gone.
Comments