But since fungi can help break down dead organic matter, that time shortens to two to three years in a Living Cocoon, Hendrikx says. Loop Biotech says its mushroom casket will help enrich the soil below. The first Living Cocoon burial in the US (which follows thousands more using Loop Biotech’s mushroom casket in Europe), shows “there’s excitement and energy around green burial,” says Sam Bar, who is part of the board of directors of the Green Burial Council. A “green” burial doesn’t have to incorporate mushrooms, of course. Aside from the potential environmental benefits, the mushroom casket is also soft to the touch and rounded, he points out to The Verge.