A nappy-eating mushroom: it sounds like a cross between an infant zombie horror film and one of David Attenborough’s specials. However, as bizarre as it may seem, they do exist!
Alethia Vázquez-Morillas, of the Autonomous Metropolitan University in Mexico City, has discovered that Pleurotus ostreatus funghi (oyster mushrooms to us mere laymen) feed on cellulose – the predominant material in disposable nappies. In their natural habitat, oyster mushrooms are readily equipped with enzymes that break down pleurostus, which grows on the dying trees that they live on. Pleurostus is also a material found in nappies, thus explaining how 90 per cent of nappy material is broken down by these mushrooms within two months. Unbelievably, within four months they are allegedly degraded completely. The technical term for this practise – the deployment of funghi to clean up waste – is mycoremediation.
What’s more, these oyster mushrooms are perfectly safe for human consumption – despite this unusual diet. Dr Vázquez-Morillas has tried them herself and believes: “They are cleaner than most of the vegetables you can find in the market, at least in Mexico.” Not that she’s biased or anything.
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How will the government and DMOs address the challenges of including glass in DRS while ensuring a level playing field across the UK?
There's no easy solution to include glass in the DRS while maintaining a level playing field. Potential approaches include a phased introduction of glass, potentially with higher deposits to reflect its logistical challenges. The government and DMOs could incentivise innovation in glass packaging design and subsidise dedicated return points for glass-handling. Exemptions for smaller businesses unable to handle glass might also be necessary. Any successful solution will likely blend several approaches. It must address the differing priorities of devolved administrations, balance environmental benefits with logistical and cost implications, and be supported by robust consumer education campaigns emphasizing the importance of glass recycling.