 Learn about the significance of these small plants and how they are used around the world in practical everyday life. From the bedroom to medicine, communities have found creative ways to use these bryophytes to support and help their various lifestyles.

Chippewa Indians in North America used bryophytes as absorbents; for things like pillows, mattresses, furniture stuffing, and even welcome mats. Mosses make great packing material; they are soft but hold structure and are great for stuffing. 

Bryophytes were used by the Romans as toilet paper! More recently, Swiss artist/designer La Chanh Nguyen has been working on a bath mat made of different mosses. It doesn’t stop there! People are finding ways to imitate moss properties to use it in bathroom urinals to prevent backsplash. 

 In Germany, mosses are packed to make comfortable and supportive neck and head rests. They also support injured hips and backs and elevate the legs of wounded people.

Bryophytes are also great for keeping things cold and hot. In Moscow, Russia, moss is stuffed between double-glazed windows to absorb condensation. It is also used for packing and lining areas for food preservation. 

In Mexico, they use the dark bryophytes’ dark-colored extract to color clothes! In the Philippines, tall moss is used to decorate head gear and clothing. Mosses are also used to line diapers and make clothing to keep people warm. 

Where else could you see bryophytes being used around your environment? In the kitchen? At school? 

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