Vivaan Chhawchharia, Ariana Agarwal, and Avyana Mehta, three 16-year-olds from India, have gained international acclaim as the Asia winners of The Earth Prize 2026 for their innovative project, 'Plas-Stick.' This biodegradable solution, created from tamarind seed waste, effectively removes microplastics from contaminated water. The idea was inspired by the students' observations in rural communities where families relied on shared water containers without advanced filtration systems. When added to polluted water, Plas-Stick attracts microplastic particles, forming larger clumps that can be easily removed with a handheld magnet. This approach not only utilizes locally available materials but also avoids the need for electricity or costly infrastructure, making it particularly suitable for low-resource areas. Although the project is still in the development stage and requires further scientific testing, it highlights the potential of agricultural waste in environmental solutions. The Earth Prize, described as the largest environmental competition for teenagers, awarded the team a regional grant of $12,500.