Wileidy Feliciano-Rivera, a seventh-grade student in Puerto Rico, has developed an environmentally friendly mulch made from discarded plantain peels. Dubbed EcoMusa, the biodegradable material demonstrated significant effectiveness in reducing weed growth – by as much as 53% in testing. The mulch also helped retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature, indicating promising agricultural applications. Wileidy’s project directly tackles the issue of plastic waste and promotes sustainable practices. Her ingenuity has been recognized on a national stage, earning her a place as a finalist in the 2026 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge. This innovation highlights the potential of readily available organic materials to address environmental challenges in Puerto Rico and beyond.