Willow and Helena from Georges River College have demonstrated exceptional environmental leadership by developing a solution to combat microplastic pollution in our oceans.
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that contaminate our water and food sources, posing a real threat to human and environmental health.
The girls entered the Ocean Lovers Fish Tank Competition and developed an innovative floating pontoon design that uses solar power and ocean currents to filter microplastics from seawater. The students understood that microplastics pose serious health risks to marine life and humans.
“We can barely see microplastics, but we know they are consumed by fish and corals and by humans,” Willow said.
Their pontoon design incorporates renewable energy sources and a reverse osmosis filtration system, demonstrating a deep level of knowledge and innovation.
Their initiative caught the attention of industry leader Pete Ceglinski, founder of Seabin, who offered to mentor them toward developing a working prototype. Showing how student-led projects can create pathways for wide-scale impact.
Both students have shaped their career aspirations around their environmental leadership experience, with Helena pursuing marine biology and Willow considering marine engineering or medicine focused on ocean health.
What you can try: Research environmental issues affecting your local area and brainstorm ways you can contribute positively as a school to be a solution. Start small and be creative!
