Students in Mr. Butz’s environmental science classes recently worked with local mycologist Sue Van Hook to make eco-friendly, biodegradable MycoBuoys to be used in Nantucket Harbor near Cape Cod. The project was part of the class’s study of ecological engineering and sustainable design.
The buoys are made from fungal mycelium and plant material and are designed to replace plastic foam buoys. Plastic pollution in the world’s oceans is a major concern and microplastics are affecting aquatic food chains. MycoBuoys are marine resistant for up to five months untreated or uncoated.
To create the buoys, students first cleaned and disinfected old liter soda bottles as a base to fill and mold the buoys. They then filled the buoys with the material and hung them in the classroom for several days, waiting for the buoys to solidify.
In total, the classes built more than 20 buoys that Van Hook’s company will deliver to Nantucket Harbor.
“This project provided a great hands-on experience for our students,” said Steve Butz, environmental science teacher. “The project allows them to see firsthand the importance of developing eco-friendly and sustainable solutions to better support the environment.”
