This Earth Day, we reflect on the urgent need for scalable solutions that not only reduce harm but actively regenerate the planet. At the intersection of innovation and nature lies a powerful ally: fungi. As the largest grower of functional mushrooms in the Western Hemisphere, M2 Ingredients is proud to lead with a science-backed, sustainability-first approach that empowers both personal and planetary health.
Fungi: Nature’s Original Regenerators
Fungi are among nature’s most effective decomposers, breaking down organic matter and restoring nutrients to the soil. Mycoremediation—the use of fungi to clean up contaminated environments—is a striking example of this ecological intelligence. In fact, according to Rhodes (2014), fungi have been shown to degrade everything from petroleum to pesticides, absorbing and transforming environmental pollutants while revitalizing ecosystems.
Rhodes, C. J. (2014). Mycoremediation (bioremediation with fungi) – growing mushrooms to clean the earth. Chemical Speciation and Bioavailability, 26(3), 196–198. https://doi.org/10.3184/095422914X14047407349335
These capabilities extend beyond environmental cleanup.
Individuals can engage with mycoremediation in practical and accessible ways right in their own communities. DIY mushroom remediation kits are increasingly available online and can be used in gardens, compost bins, or applied to oil spills on driveways and other minor environmental hazards. Gardeners can also inoculate wood chips or straw with fungi like Stropharia rugosoannulata (wine cap) to filter and remediate runoff in vegetable beds. In more advanced applications, mycofiltration systems—biological filters made with fungal mycelium—can be integrated into rain gardens to capture heavy metals and toxins. On a broader level, participating in community-led fungal restoration projects, joining mushroom inoculation days, or hosting a local mycoremediation workshop can have a ripple effect, helping to educate others and expand local environmental resilience. The growing community around fungi—including permaculturists, citizen scientists, and urban foragers—is fostering a grassroots revolution in ecological healing. As more people engage with this movement, the cumulative potential to restore ecosystems—from polluted urban soils to fire-scarred forests—becomes a real, tangible force for healing our planet.
Regenerative Organic Certified Mushrooms: Setting a New Gold Standard for Sustainability
This ecological potential of fungi also aligns with a broader movement toward regenerative solutions in agriculture and consumer products. Just as mycoremediation uses fungi to restore contaminated environments, regenerative organic cultivation leverages the same biological intelligence to heal soil, promote biodiversity, and build more resilient food systems.
M2 Ingredients is proud to announce a historic milestone: the launch of the first large-scale offering of Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC) mushrooms in partnership with the Regenerative Organic Alliance (ROA). This launch includes five of the most in-demand functional species: Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps, Turkey Tail, and Chaga—all grown in Southern California.
This is more than a certification—it’s a revolution in how functional mushrooms are cultivated. ROC builds upon USDA Organic standards, adding layers of rigor that encompass:
- Soil health: Promoting biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and closed-loop systems.
- Fair labor: Supporting the people behind the product with equitable wages and safe conditions.
- Animal welfare: Where applicable, ensuring the humane treatment of all living organisms involved in production.
“I am incredibly proud of the collaborative work we’ve accomplished with the ROA team to establish these new, stringent growing standards for ROC-certified functional mushrooms. This partnership empowers consumers to access premium, sustainably cultivated mushroom products that bolster both their well-being and the planet’s health.” – Dr. Sandra Carter, Founder of M2 Ingredients
“We are thrilled to partner with M2 Ingredients in this pivotal endeavor. Their unwavering commitment to regenerative practices and groundbreaking innovation within the rapidly expanding functional mushroom sector is truly inspiring.” – Christopher Gergen, CEO, Regenerative Organic Alliance
A Planet-Forward Approach to Functional Health
Earth Day serves as a reminder of the critical choices we make—not only in how we live but in what we consume. Choosing products made with regenerative, science-backed, functional ingredients like M2’s ROC mushrooms represents a powerful vote for a better future.
With fungi, we can go beyond sustainability to regeneration. From cleaning up environmental toxins to nourishing body and planet, mushrooms embody the very essence of Earth Day.
Act Locally: Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
When you choose mushrooms grown in the U.S., you’re doing more than supporting local businesses—you’re significantly reducing environmental impact.
For example, shipping a container of dried mushroom powder from China to the U.S. emits an estimated 5 metric tons of CO₂, depending on the route and mode of transport. That’s roughly equivalent to the emissions from burning over 550 gallons of gasoline or driving a typical gas-powered car for more than 12,000 miles—about a year’s worth of driving for the average American, according to EPA equivalency data.
According to the International Council on Clean Transportation, China’s coastal shipping sector alone emitted roughly 45 million metric tons of CO₂ in 2019, underscoring the broader environmental toll of global maritime freight. Moreover, a 2020 study from University College London found that goods exported from China to the U.S. embodied approximately 288 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, reflecting the substantial climate impact of international supply chains.
Choosing domestically grown mushrooms helps mitigate these emissions, reduces reliance on high-impact international freight, and ensures higher traceability and transparency in your supply chain.
Get Involved: Join the Myco Movement
Feeling inspired to do more? The mushroom community is thriving, and there are many ways to get involved:
- Learn about mycoremediation and explore citizen science opportunities at organizations like Fungi Perfecti and Mycological Society of America.
- Join your local chapter of the North American Mycological Association (NAMA) to connect with fellow enthusiasts, attend forays, and learn how to cultivate or work with fungi for environmental restoration.
Grow regeneratively. Heal holistically. Choose mushrooms.
Learn more at www.m2ingredients.com.
