A mushroom suit for burial, formally known as the Infinity Burial Suit, is a biodegradable, full-body shroud designed for environmentally sound end-of-life care. Its primary function is to manage the human decomposition process in an ecologically beneficial way. The suit accelerates the body’s return to the earth while using specialized fungal spores to help neutralize toxins present within human remains. It offers a sustainable alternative to traditional burial and cremation, promoting environmental renewal.
The Physical Components
The Infinity Burial Suit is a hand-stitched garment constructed from natural, organic fibers, such as cotton or hemp. The outer material is embedded with a network of mushroom mycelium and other beneficial microorganisms, which form the active element of the suit. The concept was developed by artist and researcher Jae Rhim Lee and brought to market by the company Coeio.
The suit’s material keeps the fungal spores dormant until burial. Once the body is interred, the moisture and thermal energy from the decomposing remains activate the spores and the microbial bio-mix. This activation signals the fungi to begin their work, linking the body directly into the soil food web. The suit functions as a biological delivery system, ensuring the fungi engage with the remains immediately.
The Science of Mycoremediation
The suit’s ecological function relies on mycoremediation, the use of fungi to break down contaminants and pollutants. The embedded mycelium network, the root structure of the fungi, acts as a natural biological recycler. Fungi produce enzymes that break down complex organic material into simpler compounds, accelerating decomposition and addressing chemical concerns.
Human bodies often contain accumulated environmental contaminants, such as heavy metals, pesticides, and pharmaceutical residues. Certain species of fungi absorb or neutralize these toxins by chemically binding or metabolizing them into less harmful substances. By filtering these compounds, the mycelium prevents them from leaching into the surrounding soil and groundwater. The fungi also convert the body’s organic matter into bioavailable nutrients, which improves soil quality and supports new plant growth.
The Context of Green Burial
The mushroom suit is a specific product within the larger movement of green burial, which focuses on practices with minimal environmental impact. Conventional burial requires embalming chemicals, such as formaldehyde, a known carcinogen that can leach into the earth. Traditional interments also consume non-renewable resources, including hardwood for caskets, concrete for vaults, and steel. These materials isolate the body from the natural ecosystem and significantly slow decomposition.
Green burial, and the mushroom suit, treat the body as a natural part of the ecological cycle. The suit eliminates the need for embalming fluid, metal caskets, and concrete vaults, allowing the body to decompose naturally and quickly. This method transforms the final disposition from a source of environmental pollution into an act of biological restoration.
Cost and Regulatory Acceptance
For the consumer, the mushroom suit offers a financially streamlined option compared to conventional funeral packages. The suit typically costs between $1,000 and $1,500, substantially less than the price of a traditional casket and vault. This cost covers the specialized garment itself, but families must still account for the burial plot and funeral home services.
The regulatory acceptance of the suit is the most significant logistical factor for families. The suit is considered a biodegradable shroud and is only permitted in cemeteries that specifically allow for natural or green burials. Many conventional cemeteries require a vault or a concrete grave liner and a traditional casket, which prevents the suit’s intended function. Therefore, the choice to use a mushroom suit depends entirely on the local cemetery’s regulations. Families must confirm these rules early in the planning process to ensure the suit can be used as intended.