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Paloma Lenz | United States
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MycoKnot: Japanese Knotweed and Mycelium-Based Materials Promoting Circularity
MycoKnot is an innovative project that turns Japanese knotweed and mycelium into a sustainable material aimed at addressing maritime debris, noise pollution, and plastic waste. By leveraging the knotweed's high lignin content, MycoKnot creates a lightweight, fire-resistant, and durable material suitable for a multitude of applications. Central to the project is its focus on environmental education and community engagement, which fosters stewardship and drives collective action. Based in New Haven, CT, MycoKnot collaborates with local organizations to responsibly harvest knotweed and develop the material at MakeHaven, a local makerspace. If successful, MycoKnot will not only mitigate local ecological issues, but also offer a scalable, sustainable alternative to traditional materials, contributing to global waste reduction and the promotion of a circular economy.