Is moss a solution for cleaner air in the future? 

By Aria Edgtton

“Everyone deserves to have clean air”  was a sentiment heard repeatedly at the Garrison Youth Climate Summit on May 12, 2023.  The 7th grade biomimicry "Green Hope Moss" group at the Garrison Union Free School presented a water and air filtration prototype that may help ensure good air quality for all. The group explained how the prototype was constructed out of recycled and natural materials consisting of chicken wire and wood and moss.

These seventh graders aim to help third world or poverty stricken countries struggling with poor air quality through their filtration system. They stated that the  goal for this project is to create something affordable, green, and clean. The prototype, according to the group, helps remove fossil fuels, smog, and other diseases such as heart disease, stroke, respiratory diseases. 

While interviewing a member of this group they said that they had looked back on a previous project they had done in fifth grade when brainstorming ideas for this project.” I remembered a project in fifth grade where you have to build a civilization” they explained, “we used moss to purify water in our civilization which gave me the idea.” 

Not only does the filter clean the air but it also cools the air when it passes through the moss. The group hopes to get an installment in the local art gallery and have their design make an impact.