polytropism McGill University_ masters studio with Professor Aaron Sprecher by Newsha Ghaeli and Caileigh MacKellar December 2011 The North Pacific Gyre is the largest accumulation of plastic waste on the planet. Originating from a plethora of land and sea-based sources, plastic breaks down into microscopic particles due to solar radiation, and as it degrades is ingested by marine life. We are just beginning to see the effects of plastic entering the food chain, from deformed fish species to cancers in humans. Because the Gyre has no geographic or political boundaries, no one feels any responsibility to prevent its growth or clean it up. Using wave and solar energy to create a self-sustaining floating machine, plastic debris making its way to the Gyre is able to be passively harvested and processed into recycled plastic powder - ready to be made into new plastic products on land. The water that flows through the collection chambers is not only cleansed of plastic, but of other toxins, and as it flows back into the ocean carries with it nutrient particles which will reinvigorate the marine ecosystem. Creating an off-shore collection basin and research station for coastal cities and countries will not only prevent plastic from making its way to the Gyre, us thus preclude any further detriment to our food chain, but will reduce the pressure of extracting virgin resources for new consumer products. The intervention aims to bring about more focused education and research on marine debris issues, ecosystem impacts, remediation and recycling possibilities, and new prevention options which will involve international collaboration.
polytropism McGill University_ masters studio with Aaron Sprecher December 2011 The North Pacific Gyre is the largest accumulation of plastic waste on the planet. Originating from a plethora of land and sea-based sources, plastic breaks down into microscopic particles due to solar radiation, and as it degrades is ingested by marine life. We are just beginning to see the effects of plastic entering the food chain, from deformed fish species to cancers in humans. Because the Gyre has no geographic or political boundaries, no one feels any responsibility to prevent its growth or clean it up. Using wave and solar energy to create a self-sustaining floating machine, plastic debris making its way to the Gyre is able to be passively harvested and processed into recycled plastic powder - ready to be made into new plastic products on land. The water that flows through the collection chambers is not only cleansed of plastic, but of other toxins, and as it flows back into the ocean carries with it nutrient particles which will reinvigorate the marine ecosystem. Creating an off-shore collection basin and research station for coastal cities and countries will not only prevent plastic from making its way to the Gyre, us thus preclude any further detriment to our food chain, but will reduce the pressure of extracting virgin resources for new consumer products. The intervention aims to bring about more focused education and research on marine debris issues, ecosystem impacts, remediation and recycling possibilities, and new prevention options which will involve international collaboration.
birds eye off coast of Japan