An 18-year-old from Letterkenny in County Donegal has invented a plant-based plastic that removes microplastics from the environment as it biodegrades, Smithsonian Magazine reports. Arya Satheesh’s creation won her the European regional award in the 2026 Earth Prize, worth $12,500.
The material, called Eco Purge, breaks down within about two weeks. As it does, it releases enzymes that help break down existing microplastics in the surrounding soil and water, tackling one of the most stubborn forms of pollution.
Satheesh said she wanted to find a real solution rather than simply urging people to recycle. The Earth Prize is an international competition for young people aged 13 to 19 who come up with ideas to solve environmental problems.
Source: Smithsonian Magazine