We  are Robocrafters FLL team from Texas. As a passionate advocates for ocean health, we see daily the devastating effects of plastic pollution on our oceans and marine ecosystems. Our world's waters are choking on the accumulated waste of countless discarded plastics, a bulk of which originates from island nations and landlocked countries. They struggle to manage the overwhelming influx of plastic waste, putting marine life and, subsequently, our own lives at risk.

It's alarming to realize that 8 million metric tons of plastic end up in our oceans each year, a figure from a study by the World Economic Forum. That's equivalent to five grocery bags filled with plastic for every foot of coastline in the world. This inconceivably large amount of waste cannot be addressed by band-aid solutions. Instead, we need comprehensive actions on multiple fronts.

A minimized use of single-use plastics is definitely an integral step. But this alone won't be enough. We must also encourage and enable behavioral changes in individuals, corporations, and governments. However, one often overlooked method of addressing this issue is the incorporation of collective technological efforts not just to recycle the existing waste, but also to prevent the accumulation of more of it offshore.

To achieve these goals, we must petition policymakers, tech companies, offshore oil & gas industry, marine industry and environmental agencies to join forces and form partnerships aimed at collecting and recycling oceanic plastic waste. Their collective expertise can pave the way for concrete solutions. We need all ideas, like creating offshore plastic recycling facilities, converting abandoned offshore platforms to recycling facilities, and creating vessels fitted with recycling units to name a few. Let's leverage the strength of our shared concern and act unitedly to save our oceans, our marine life, and ultimately, ourselves. Please sign this petition and raise your voice against plastic pollution. Let’s strive for an ocean free of artificial waste. Let us reclaim the beauty and health of our waters. Sign the petition today.