MLF Can Carrier (Marine Life Friendly Can Carrier*) Justyn B. 13 Virginia *may be changed based on research

Problem  Problem:  Marine animals get caught in plastic carrier cases for cans, called yokes. The yokes are thrown away and cause harm to marine life.  Sea turtles think plastic trash is jellyfish, one of their favorite foods. The turtles get stuck in the plastic or eat it and choke.

Solution  Solution:  Make a can carrier that will not hurt marine life when thrown out.  Make a container that biodegrades.  Make a container that animals will not get stuck in. Grace-And-Beauty-Address-Plaque-Blog/

 Possible Options  Eliminate plastic  Use material that will dissolve in water  Public education (3-cut campaign)  Previous Remedies  Public education  Use material that photodegrades (can take up to six months in direct sunlight; decades if in shade or underwater)  My Invention Improves on Past Ideas by:  Using biodegradable material (one that will degrades in six to eight weeks)  Does not require consumers to take action  Uses a design that animals are not as likely to get stuck in Past Options & Improvements

Prototype sketch

Prototype Side view Top view

Material Day one: no water Day nine: In water Biodegradable material, using plant based material *This project used material made by Folia ™, using 100 percent renewable and reclaimed resources

 Added a handle  No longer interconnected with string  Break-away design to avoid animals getting stuck Improvement to prototype OriginalImprovement

Testing Old design to new design Original : interconnected with strings Improvement: added handle, and tear away design

 Sell to manufacturers of sodas and other beverages that use plastic yokes.  Advertise to general public so people will know to purchase products using the carrier.  This will also boost sale rates for the companies investing in the carrier because it is better for marine life and the environment. Marketing