Two high-school seniors, Jack Reichert and Rohan Kapoor, are drawing global attention with their inventive climate solution called the Go Green Filter a small, affordable bio-reactor device that attaches to a vehicle’s exhaust system to significantly cut carbon pollution.
The Go Green Filter uses a combination of microalgae, water, and light to harness photosynthesis, a natural biological process that absorbs carbon dioxide and emits oxygen. As exhaust gases pass through the device, the algae consume CO₂ and release clean oxygen, reducing harmful emissions right at the source. Early prototype tests of the filter designed with a 3D-printed structure that clamps directly onto the exhaust pipe show a remarkable reduction of more than 74 % in carbon emissions, offering a practical way to tackle one of the largest contributors to global warming: vehicle pollution.
What sets this innovation apart is its simplicity and affordability. Unlike many high-tech climate solutions that require expensive infrastructure or advanced engines, the Go Green Filter uses a process already found in nature photosynthesis to clean exhaust without expensive retrofits or major engine changes.
Their invention has already won accolades, including top honors at the 2023 Changemaker Challenge, and the young entrepreneurs aim to further develop and scale the technology for real-world use. Future plans include partnerships with regulatory agencies and deployment in regions suffering from severe air pollution.
While still in early stages, the Go Green Filter illustrates how small, smart ideas from young minds can contribute meaningfully to the fight against climate change — especially when they harness nature’s own mechanisms to make everyday transport cleaner and more sustainable.
