and its rate of degradation is even further slowed if it is floating on the ocean surface. Currently, a “trash-patch” of about 3.5 million tons, 99% of which is composed of plastic, is floating towards the central vortex of the Mid-Pacific Gyre. The sub-tropical convergent zones have become highways transporting plastics from the coasts of California and Japan and carrying them to the Mid-Pacific Gyre, where they are “deposited”. These convergent zones are where the highest concentration of plastics is found. Moreover, this is not unique to the Pacific Ocean; there are 4 other gyres that are currently accumulating plastics all over the planet. Our strategy is to start a global network based on the trim-tab principle. The purpose being to (1) increase awareness (2) get experts and interested individuals across different fields to propose and engage in integrative solutions (3) Link related marine industries and other existing infrastructures to participate in these solutions. The network is composed of a web-based interface or World Game Beta that displays how different stakeholders can dynamically interact to reduce the trash patch. Also, inspired by Bucky’s famous World Game anyone entering the web-interface can participate in a comprehensive role-playing experience based on this game based on available data of plastics and designed to simulate different economic scenarios with the goal of re-introducing the trash-patch into the global economy. By connecting people, multinational corporations and other interest groups we can act as a catalyst to produce unpredicted maximum advantageous change.

Describe the current stage of your initiative and your implementation plan over the next three years

PHASE 1
1. Research/Networking: development of a body of knowledge while creating a network of relationships between key players.
1.1 Scientific.
1.1.1 Meeting with chemists.
1.1.2 Meeting with plastics experts.
1.1.3 Meeting with environmental organizations engaged in the study of the ocean or the Trash Patch, e.g. Algalita.
1.2 Industry
1.2.1 Individuation of main players of plastics arena.
1.2.1.1 Production.
1.2.1.2 Recycling.
1.2.2. Meeting and discussion to assess interest in the project and receive feedback.
1.3 Infrastructure
1.3.1 Oil: discuss ocean infrastructure and trade routes.
1.3.2 Shipping: discuss existing and potential service routes through the patch.
1.3.3 Fisheries: investigating current routes and available fishing technologies applicable to plastics.
1.4 Technology
1.4.1 Satellite imagery.
1.4.2 Sorting devices.
1.4.2.1 Different types of plastics.
1.4.2.2 Plastics and marine life.
1.5 Policy
1.5.1 Consulting with maritime lawyers.
1.5.2 Consulting with transnational policymakers.
1.6 Compiling report on findings
PHASE 2
2. Design Phase: set out design objectives for virtual (web) and realtime (relating to physical material) infrastructure.
2.1 Virtual
2.1.1 Schematic design: interface
2.1.1.1 Public.
2.1.1.2 Corporate.
2.1.1.3 Industry.
2.1.1.4 Education.
2.1.2 Design development.
2.1.2.1 Work with programmers to develop web infrastructure.
2.1.2.1.1 Work with programmers to develop role playing internet game.
2.1.2.2 Feed existing information.
2.1.2.2.1 Research data.
2.1.2.2.2 Live content about the development of World Game Beta initiative.
2.1.2.2.3 World Game Beta internet game.
2.1.2.3 Feed real time information into website.
SOFT LAUNCH WITH EXISTING CONTENT
2.2 Realtime
2.2.1 Schematic design of IT platforms to monitor and track.
2.2.1.1 Trash patch.
2.2.1.2 Zooplankton and marine life.
2.2.1.3 Movement of vessels.
2.2.1.4 Plastics from grave to cradle.
2.2.2 Design Development.
2.2.2.1 testing each IT platform.
2.2.2.2 develop platform to integrate information from 2.2.1.1-4.
2.2.2.3 Integrating realtime data into website.
LAUNCH*

Describe how your strategy meets the entry criteria ("What We're Looking For")

Buckminster Fuller disliked specialization precisely because it rid people’s ability to think comprehensively to address global challenges, “I always start with the universe...” The network is a magnifying glass that allows people to connect more closely with the trash-patch. By bringing together “specialists” and “experts” alongside artists, students, fishermen, sailors, public users from different spheres, into a dynamic relationship with the trash-patch, the network will be an additive system portraying the most real scenarios and projected outcomes given the existing resources available.

The most ecological and anticipatory response is certainly not to wait until the problem gets worse. In 2050 the trash-patch will have accumulated at least 350,000 million more tons of plastic. Unless we create an integrated resource management system across industries, plastic disposal in the sea will continue to accumulate and virgin plastic will reach 500 million metric tons by 2100.

The elegance of Bucky’s ideas was the way in which he conceptualized small interventions to topple the largest systems. This was inherent in his conceptualization of the miniature rudder of "trim-tab" as a means of moving an entire ship. We feel these new models of networking, of Internet based economies, and of virtual environments can begin to readdress in this way some of the world’s most pressing environmental issues.

Describe the qualifications and experience of you and/or your team and your ability to execute your implementation plan

TrimTab K (Katy Barkan), is student of architecture at the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University, graduating in 2010. She has worked in architecture print and web design since 2002. Most recently she crossed the Amazon to research the effects of new infrastructure projects on local communities.

TrimTab A (Alessandro Preda), is student of architecture at the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University, graduating in 2010. His background is in International Economics and Management and has worked both in business and architecture firms. He has lived in Italy, Czech Republic, China, France and the US. In 2007 he volunteered as a construction worker in New Orleans.

TrimTab M (Manuel Mansylla), is an architect with a graduate degree from the Urban Design Program at Columbia University. He is the Founder and Design Director of Lafantastica LLC. He currently resides in New York.

TrimTab J (Jimena Leiva)formerly worked for the Guatemalan Mission to the United Nations. She has worked extensively with non-profit organizations and was the executive director of GuateAmala a national social and cultural campaign.

We have also been in contact with Dr. Anthony Andrady about his work in the fields of plastics and with Professor Hunter an Environmental Law expert at American University regarding the issues of the Pacific Gyre.