W2: "My Invention to Save the Earth"

 My Invention to Save the Earth

Figure 1: AI-generated image of mock advertisement

    JellyClean is a jellyfish-shaped robot designed to remove microplastics from the ocean to protect marine life. JellyClean is made of soft and ocean-safe materials that do not harm coral, fish or other sea creatures. It also looks and moves like a real jellyfish, so it blends into the ocean and does not scare or confuse marine animals. It floats gently in the water and is powered by solar energy. A transparent solar panel on top helps it to recharge using sunlight when it moves through the sea. 
    
     Inside the robot, a quiet suction system pulls in small plastic pieces and stores them in a special tank. When the tank is full, JellyClean swims back to a floating collection station, unloads the waste and returns to work. It is designed to operate in groups. A whole group of JellyCleans can clean large ocean areas silently and efficiently. 
    
    This invention is best used by environmental groups, NGOs or governments who can manage and maintain the machines. They can place JellyCleans in polluted areas like industrial coastlines, ports or near coral reefs to keep the ocean clean. By removing microplastics from the water, it helps protect ocean animals, keeps plastic out of the food we eat, and makes the ocean cleaner and healthier for future generations.

Figure 2: AI-generated image of JellyClean

What Problem It’s Solving?

     One of the biggest threats in the ocean is microplastic pollution. These tiny plastic pieces are smaller than 5mm and come from things like synthetic clothing, broken packaging and cosmetics. They cannot be removed by traditional cleanup methods because of their tiny sizes. Research has shown that more than 170 trillion plastic particles are floating in the world’s oceans (Horton & Carrington, 2023). These particles are often eaten by fish and turtles, leading to long-term health problems and even death. A recent study in the US state of Oregon found microplastics in 99% of seafood samples (Perkins, 2025). This shows that microplastics are already entering our bodies through the food we eat. 

    JellyClean helps solve this problem by filtering microplastics from the ocean without using harmful nets or chemicals, making it a safe and sustainable solution. It is also quiet and harmless to marine creatures, making it a better alternative for long-term ocean health. 

Why I Chose This Invention?

    I got the idea for JellyClean after I saw a post on social media about microplastics in the ocean. The post showed fish and turtles with plastic inside their bodies. I felt really sad and surprised. I did not know that such tiny plastics could hurt sea animals so badly. The comments below the post also talked about how microplastics are in our food and drinks. It made me realise we are not just hurting sea animals but also putting ourselves in danger. 

The Importance of Innovation 

    Innovation means creating new ideas, methods, products, services or solutions that bring useful and positive change (Jain, 2023). It is one of the most powerful ways to fight environmental problems. Traditional methods like beach cleanups or banning plastic straws are helpful, but not enough. We need creative solutions that can solve problems in smarter, faster and safer ways. JellyClean is just one idea. If more young people try to think of better ways to help the Earth, we can slowly make the world a better place. I hope that one day, JellyClean or a real version of it will be used in oceans around the world.

References 

Horton, H., & Carrington, D. (2023, March 8). More than 170tn plastic particles afloat in oceans, say scientists. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/mar/08/plastic-particles-oceans-marine-pollution-production 

Jain, N. (2023, July 15). What is Innovation? Definition, Types, Examples and Process. IdeaScale. https://ideascale.com/blog/what-is-innovation/

Perkins, T. (2025, February 4). Study finds microplastic contamination in 99% of seafood samples. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/03/seafood-microplastic-contamination-study 

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