The third and final solution is mushrooms. Mushrooms are not plants but, in fact, fungi. They employ two different methods to thrive: they either live as parasites on plants or break down organic material from other plants. Unlike plants, they do not need light to grow. In fact, mushrooms prefer conditions without light, as it eliminates competition for food. Furthermore, darkness aids in preserving moisture, which facilitates mushroom reproduction. Mushrooms can be fully grown in approximately 20 days, making them a great source of food.
There are also efficient ways to mass-produce mushrooms. One common method is to cultivate them in a plastic bag filled with sterilized sawdust and wood chips. While there are concerns about the plastic waste generated by this method, the primary purpose of the plastic bag is to retain moisture. To address this concern, an alternative approach could involve using a reusable capsule that simulates the natural humidity found in the real world. By adopting this method, we can achieve resource efficiency and potentially produce mushrooms in large quantities in the future.