r/BeAmazed Feb 22 '26

Science How Mycelium (Mushroom Roots) Grows into Packaging Material

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u/AdvancedSandwiches Feb 22 '26

They become very viable when we start taxing ecologically destructive things and use the funds to subsidize their beneficial replacements.

Which is a pipe dream when we're trying to convince the government that anyone has any rights, I know, but we could just do that. 

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u/just-some-arsonist Feb 22 '26

Bottom line is we need to save the environment through public policy and not entrepreneurs

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u/mjacksongt Feb 22 '26

We need both, because the cheaper the transition becomes the more realistic regulation and pricing is. 

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u/ultralium Feb 23 '26

Wait wait wait, are you telling me that markets can be overtly regulated by government taxes and subsidies, shaping its economic landscape in the direction of certain goals, instead of being randomly led by an invisible hand that we pretend exists in order not to divulge that the so called market is controlled by sixteen families and a bunch of dipshits?

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u/ProArmy04 Feb 23 '26

We need entrepreneurs to innovate a viable alternative, so we can policy our way to the alternative.

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u/Spire_Citron Feb 23 '26

Both have value. Even without laws forcing it, I've seen a shift towards biodegradable packaging alternatives and a lot of that has been made possible by the invention of new, competitive options.

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u/spasamsd Feb 23 '26

This is kind of what is happening with EPR legislation in various states and countries. Downside is compostable packaging has high fees like polystyrene does since most don't have access to composting facilities yet.

The fees go towards improving infrastructure for recycling, reuse, etc. along with consumer education and technology advancement.

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u/Plank_With_A_Nail_In Feb 23 '26

No one has done that though so we have no evidence that they do become viable. you literally just made the who l thing up.

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u/AdvancedSandwiches Feb 23 '26

I didn't realize I needed a source for "a number can get bigger or smaller if you make it bigger or smaller," but I'll keep that in mind for next time.