Fungi are more than just the fruiting bodies we see and they are doing more than we could ever imagine. This supposedly simple organism is everywhere and involved in everything. Here are five specific examples of mushrooms and just exactly what they can do. From treating cancer to breaking down plastics, mushrooms just may be saving the world.

Meredith Keppel's passion for environmental science began one summer in southern Virginia at Nature Camp. Here she discovered a passion for nature and fungi that led her to spend a semester of her sophomore year in Maine at an intensive all-girls school for marine science. While there she conducted research on population genetics of a paralytic phytoplankton for the Maine Department of Marine Resources. Meredith has also volunteered with numerous local organizations including Loudoun Habitat for Humanity, Herndon Environmental Network, Runnymeade Park, and Goose Creek Association. Additionally, she has spoken on the subject of fungi at many local garden clubs and was the speaker for last January's Green Breakfast, hosted by the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District. Her future plans include studies in environmental science and sustainability.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx