Specifically at GVSU, the SAP does not currently cultivate mycelium for few a various reasons, such as concerns over safety precautions. However, if mycelium cultivation becomes a popular solution to sustainability problems and fungi are more widely seen as an entire kingdom of life, then mycelium education may become a viable part of the ENS curriculum. There are classes available in West Michigan that teach the basics of identification, cultivation and uses of mushrooms. Local mycology clubs or groups are another viable option to those who wish to learn about mycology.

The United States ranks 4th in having the highest number of heart disease deaths per country. According to highly regarded institutions such as the Mayo Clinic, increased red meat consumption has a strong correlation to strokes, heart attacks and diabetes. Eating less meat and turning to plant based products, such as mycelium replacements, reduces cow’s emission of methane and slows deforestation in which forests are converted to grazing land. For both environmental factors and health components, including mushrooms as a meat substitute in the American diet and expanding accessibility to vegan and vegetarian options would have outstanding effects on the United States.

As we know, for years we have been searching for better solutions to decompose and replace plastic. Mycelium is not only useful for local pest control and meat substitutes, but it can also replace and decompose plastic. The production of mycelium foam is inexpensive and is cost-competitive compared to polystyrene foam. Mycelium is safe, strong, and biodegradable. It can help break down plastic and oil and make the soil more suitable for organisms to grow there. Furthermore, mycelium has incredible durability; we can use it to replace traditionally timber products such as door cores, paneling, flooring, and cabinetry.

Mycelium is relatively 60% protein and 12% fiber, making it a wonderful and notorious meat substitute.

Mycelium can be used to create vegan mycelium leather as well as fabrics for sustainable clothing as it has excellent insulating and moisture-wicking properties.

Mycelium can be used to create a sustainable and compostable bio-plastic to replace plastic, carboard and styrofoam.

This is a simple method to cultivate mushrooms on straw beds. Straw beds are a low cost way to grow mushrooms without the need for expensive equipment.

Steps:

1. Remove debris from desired bed, leaving only the soil.

2. Spread straw to make a bed 1 inch deep.

3. Distribute mushroom spawn throughout bed.

4. Add another layer of straw 2 inch deep.

5. Water bed frequently.

Cost:

Straw - $15

Shitake Mushroom Sawdust Spawn - $25

The startup for growing mushrooms at the SAP is low-cost and low-maintenance. With the SAP already having access to tools, land, and internships, there would be no additional cost in these areas. For the bags of spawns, the price would be about $25.00 US dollars for a 5.5lb bag. Depending on how many internships are growing mushrooms, their shelf life can last up to 6 months if refrigerated. Straw is the most expensive component of the startup, but due to it coming in 40lb quantities, it will last up to a year of use.

The State University of New York offers a mycology course as an option within a field methods degree requirement. SUNY's Environmental Science degree program is complimented with a natural resource management focus.

Ecovative is a mycelium technology company that specializes in compostable mycelium based packaging, leather and insulating foams.

At the University of California, Davis, a fungal biology and ecology minor is offered as part of the plant pathology department. The department offers ten courses related to mycology, but Food Microbiology and Edible Mushroom Cultivation are relevant to the focus of GVSU's Sustainable Agriculture Project.