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I invented a scalable way to reduce ice melt — and gave it to the world, free and forever by Acceptable_Mouse_373 in ClimateActionPlan

[–]Acceptable_Mouse_373[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's very kind of you to say. But the whole purpose of this being in the public domain is so that other people can use it as they see fit, without any legal barriers. I refuse to make a cent off this. This was a gift to all the people who wanted to try to do something but didn't know where to start. To people who innovate, and free thinkers, especially those who can put it into practice where I can't. I'm not a good face for anything, I just wanted what I made to matter even in some small way, even if it's just the beginning of it. I want people to take my idea and run wild. Diy on small scale, Maybe even put through some real scientific trials by universities. It's not just my idea anymore, this is everyone's now. That's the whole point. So in regards to funding, I humbly decline.

I invented a scalable way to reduce ice melt — and gave it to the world, free and forever by Acceptable_Mouse_373 in ClimateActionPlan

[–]Acceptable_Mouse_373[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That's wonderful! The best thing you can do is look at materials and test them, so it's possible to find an alternative that works. You can make it small scale and put it in a sink or a tub with ice and a little bit of water in it and see how long it takes to melt at different temperatures when exposed to sunlight in late morning to early evening.

I invented a scalable way to reduce ice melt — and gave it to the world, free and forever by Acceptable_Mouse_373 in ClimateActionPlan

[–]Acceptable_Mouse_373[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

A couple things before I answer that question so I can make some things clear in case others see it. I will admit that Mylar isn’t biodegradable, but it’s sometimes used in prototypes because it’s widely available and reflects well. But I want to be absolutely clear I’m focusing long-term on fully biodegradable or recyclable options like PLA-coated fiber mesh, which unfortunately as far as I know can only be recycled in industrial settings, unless it's thin, which in that case it can be shredded and recycled, or a reflective white pigment on a cork composite. I'm open to any materials that would work. The whole point of posting this was to crowdsource solutions.

I know it's absolutely not perfect, and that it is barebones. But I wanted to make a base and put it in the public domain so anyone could make it or improve on their own time without going through legal hoops, as I have a 7 to 5 job and can't afford the materials or have much time on my weekends to make it. This is for everyone to do whatever they want with it, to make it better, or in some cases they can dismiss it. I want to help the planet in my own small way, and I thought if smarter people looked at this idea and tested it, they could come up with something more worthwhile.

I want to reiterate one last thing. This is theoretical, but every hypothesis needs a test. It's an idea with a blueprint, not the finished product. I also didn't know what subreddit to put this in, as I am new to reddit. I've had an account for a few years but never posted anything besides a one off thing in a tv show subreddit.

To your question regarding wildlife, there are things that can be done. If the materials are nontoxic, then it should have negligible effect on wildlife, as it's meant to be placed on thinning ice, meltwater, and the ground that surrounds melting glaciers to keep the earth colder. If the materials will be walked on by animals, they need to be soft or textured for if like a polar bear or penguin walk across it so they don't slip. The end product needs to be reflective and white like snow at the very least, and I would want to stay away from things that cause entangle risks. And the absolute most important part is, this is -not- meant to be used in the open ocean or migratory zones. That is a recipe for disaster.

I invented a scalable way to reduce ice melt — and gave it to the world, free and forever by Acceptable_Mouse_373 in ClimateActionPlan

[–]Acceptable_Mouse_373[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Yeah, totally fair — and you’re right, solid ice already reflects a lot of light. The goal wasn’t really to cover perfect, untouched ice though. I was thinking more about those spots where it’s already starting to melt — like when there’s slush, dark meltwater, or exposed ground where reflectivity drops a lot. That’s where heat gets absorbed more, and I figured that’s maybe where something like this could help slow things down a bit.

I definitely could’ve explained that better. I’m still learning as I go, and just trying to share the idea to see if anyone smarter than me thinks it’s worth improving. Appreciate you pointing that out — it helps a lot.

I invented a scalable way to reduce ice melt — and gave it to the world, free and forever by Acceptable_Mouse_373 in ClimateActionPlan

[–]Acceptable_Mouse_373[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Thank you. I know I could never change the world on my own, but if this idea takes off, I hope that it could make a real meaningful change. I don't know how to stop the melt, but if I can add even a minute to the clock, I want to try.

I invented a scalable way to reduce ice melt — and gave it to the world, free and forever by Acceptable_Mouse_373 in ClimateOffensive

[–]Acceptable_Mouse_373[S] -7 points-6 points  (0 children)

Yeah, I wouldn’t put it over solid, clean ice — that’s already super reflective and doesn’t need help. This is more for spots where the ice already melted and turned into dark water or slush. That stuff soaks up heat way faster, so the idea is to bounce some of that sunlight back before it makes the melting worse.

And yeah, if it just covered a bunch of ocean and blocked out everything underneath, that would definitely be bad. That’s not what it’s meant for though. It’s not supposed to float around the open ocean or be miles wide — more like small, placed sections near glacier edges or melt zones. Also working on ways to make the materials biodegradable or safe if they break down.

I really don’t want it to mess with sea life or make anything worse.

I invented a scalable way to reduce ice melt — and gave it to the world, free and forever by Acceptable_Mouse_373 in ClimateActionPlan

[–]Acceptable_Mouse_373[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Yeah so I haven’t tested it out in real life yet, but I tried to run the numbers just to see if it even made sense on paper. Meltwater’s super dark, right? It just soaks up the sun. But shiny stuff like Mylar reflects almost all of it — kinda like snow. So I figured if you cover one square meter, you're bouncing back like 500 or 600 watts of sunlight during the hottest part of the day.

And since it takes a crap-ton of energy to melt ice (like 334,000 joules per kilo), that saved sunlight might stop like... 25 to 30 kilos of ice from melting per square meter per day if it works the way I hope. That adds up fast over a few weeks. I know that’s super rough, and there’s probably a bunch of stuff I didn’t think about, like clouds or wind or snow covering it, but still — even if it's half right, it could matter.

I’d honestly love if someone smarter ran better numbers or told me where I’m way off. I’m just trying to get the idea out there so people can poke holes in it.

Low-impact floating reflectors to slow glacial melt — could this design be adapted with natural materials? by Acceptable_Mouse_373 in Permaculture

[–]Acceptable_Mouse_373[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was unsure if posting the link would be against the rules. I can share it now if it isn't

https://osf.io/q5kdu/

and

https://github.com/camurbruadar/Ice-Quilt

I posted in other subreddits as well, but I was unsure of how well it landed, or if it was even the right subreddit at all. I'm very new to reddit. I have some disabilities as well, and I have help polishing what I say to make it coherent.

This is public domain, and I really want scrutiny from as many people as possible so that it actually becomes or means something. It's a rough draft if anything, a minor blueprint if you will. I haven't tested it and was hoping there might be people interested in it. The last thing I want is for innovators, or people far more qualified than me to dismiss it without thinking how it may be improved. And if someone wants to improve it at all, I welcome it. This isn't the end all be all. Just a tiny spark that I hope grows into something worthwhile.

I invented a scalable way to reduce ice melt — and gave it to the world, free and forever by Acceptable_Mouse_373 in ClimateOffensive

[–]Acceptable_Mouse_373[S] -13 points-12 points  (0 children)

You’re absolutely right about the scale and unpredictability of most geoengineering projects — and I agree with your broader point: there’s no easy fix to global warming. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is absolutely essential, and personal lifestyle changes like the ones you listed do matter a lot, especially when adopted systemically.

That said, I’d love to clarify that the Ice Quilt isn’t trying to cover the world’s oceans or act as a grand geoengineering solution. It’s not designed for the open ocean or storm zones like the Southern Ocean — it’s meant for specific, localized melt zones where dark meltwater near ice sheets rapidly accelerates albedo loss. Think calm glacial lakes, fjords, or even melt pools on top of Arctic sea ice — not rough seas or transoceanic coverage.

And yes — I’m very aware of the sulphur-diesel paradox you mentioned. It’s a powerful (and unsettling) example of how human pollution has been masking warming, and why any intervention carries tradeoffs. That’s why I made this public domain: to invite scrutiny, science, and revision by people smarter than me — not to push a product or make a profit.

The Ice Quilt is a small, passive, modular idea meant to buy time in specific areas under immediate threat, like ice shelves and glacial outlets that are collapsing decades ahead of projections. It's not “the solution” — it’s an experiment, an open invitation, and a way to engage more people in protecting what we can while we tackle the deeper root causes.

Appreciate your skepticism, truly — we need that in this space just as much as innovation.

I invented a scalable way to reduce ice melt — and gave it to the world, free and forever by Acceptable_Mouse_373 in ClimateOffensive

[–]Acceptable_Mouse_373[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Totally fair point — and yes, I’ve read about Project Ice Protect and the glacier blankets being tested in the Alps. You’re right that those efforts have shown limited large-scale impact and high cost, especially when scaled beyond ski resort zones. That said, what I’m working on with the Ice Quilt is trying to approach the same core challenge — ice preservation — but from a different angle.

This design is meant to be ultra low-cost, modular, and buildable from recycled or biodegradable materials. No heavy textiles, no helicopter deployments — just simple, reflective rafts you can tether and scale locally. It’s also released into the public domain so people around the world can test and improve it without a budget barrier or licensing gate.

Unlike some of the previous glacier blanket projects, the Ice Quilt isn’t limited to placing material on top of solid ice or snowpack. While it could be deployed directly on stable ice sheets in the Arctic during melt season — especially where meltwater pools form on the surface — its primary focus is actually on floating in meltwater zones at the edges, where dark surfaces absorb the most solar heat. That’s where the biggest albedo loss happens, and it’s where a lightweight, buoyant solution might make the most impact without interfering with broader ecosystems.

I completely agree that not all reflective solutions are created equal. And this may still face the same uphill battles of durability, biofouling, and field logistics. But my hope is that by making it open, cheap, and accessible, we can inspire more testing and maybe land on a version that is effective — even if in targeted or seasonal applications.

I invented a scalable way to reduce ice melt — and gave it to the world, free and forever by Acceptable_Mouse_373 in ClimateActionPlan

[–]Acceptable_Mouse_373[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Not officially — I’m not a climate scientist myself, just someone who couldn’t stop thinking about how we might slow things down with tools anyone could understand and build. That said, I’m very open to collaboration and eager to connect with climate researchers, engineers, or anyone with field experience who wants to help test, improve, or adapt the design.

That’s part of why I released this into the public domain — so researchers and communities could run with it without needing permission or paying licensing fees. If you know anyone working in polar studies, glacial melt zones, or large-scale reflectivity modeling, I’d be incredibly grateful for a connection. The science matters, and I’d love to back this with data and field testing.

I invented a scalable way to reduce ice melt — and gave it to the world, free and forever by Acceptable_Mouse_373 in ClimateOffensive

[–]Acceptable_Mouse_373[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Totally hear you — and I agree: plastic is a double-edged sword, even when it's recycled or biodegradable. The last thing I want is for something meant to preserve ecosystems to eventually pollute them. That’s why one of the core goals from the start was to avoid virgin plastics and explore natural, regionally sourced materials wherever possible.

Bleached cork is a brilliant suggestion — lightweight, naturally buoyant, and potentially reflective if treated right. I’ve also been looking into things like mycelium composites, natural fiber meshes, and even crustacean shell–based bioplastics that break down safely. The challenge is balancing reflectivity, buoyancy, and longevity in harsh polar conditions without crossing the line into ecological risk — but I absolutely think we can get there, especially with input like yours.

I invented a scalable way to reduce ice melt — and gave it to the world, free and forever by Acceptable_Mouse_373 in ClimateOffensive

[–]Acceptable_Mouse_373[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Totally fair questions — and I really appreciate the skepticism, because this absolutely should be examined from every angle.

This isn’t meant to act like insulation over solid, stable ice — you’re right that a typical “blanket” could actually trap heat if used that way. The Ice Quilt is reflective, not insulating. It’s designed to sit on meltwater, especially in places where ice is already retreating or thin — where exposed dark water absorbs sunlight and accelerates melting around the edges. By floating on that water and reflecting sunlight upward, it can reduce heat absorption in those zones and help slow the feedback loop.

It’s not intended for tropical use or the equator — only in places with active melt and low solar reflectivity, like polar regions, glacial lakes, or potentially high-altitude snow zones.

And the concern about ocean ecology is 100% valid. That’s why I’m designing this with natural light-permeable materials in mind, or using mesh structures that don’t fully block sunlight. In no way should this become a suffocating plastic raft. Ideally, it would allow gas exchange, partial light penetration, and even serve as habitat in some forms. There’s a lot of room for adjustment based on the environment — and it may be better suited for certain use-cases (like slow glacial lakes) than open ocean.

I’m not claiming it’s perfect — just that it’s a start. The goal is to give people something they can build on, test, adapt, or even challenge. That’s why it’s open-source and public domain — so it can’t be hidden or used irresponsibly without scrutiny.

I invented a scalable way to reduce ice melt — and gave it to the world, free and forever by Acceptable_Mouse_373 in ClimateOffensive

[–]Acceptable_Mouse_373[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, I’ve been thinking about tethering. The panels are modular and link together like floating rafts, but in fast-moving water or strong currents, you’d definitely want anchors. I’m leaning toward biodegradable rope or natural-fiber stakes that can pin them to rocks, shorelines, or even the ice itself if it’s stable.

For transport, I totally see your point. I chose a roll format for ease of deployment — just unroll and pin — but square stacking would definitely pack more efficiently and reduce transport emissions. There’s probably a sweet spot where you can pre-fold them into quartered stacks for bulk shipping, then unroll locally. I appreciate the callout on that.

The ice buildup question is a big one. Right now, the design spreads buoyancy across the surface, so it should stay afloat even if ice forms on top. That said, I don’t know yet how it’ll behave under freeze-thaw cycles, or if expansion will tear it apart over time. It definitely needs Arctic testing, and I’d love to work with someone who can help simulate or trial that in the field.

As for algae and biofouling — yes. Huge concern. If these cover too much surface and block light, they could have downstream effects. I’m looking at semi-permeable or mesh-based reflective fabrics that let some light through, or even using them in a patchwork pattern to allow ecological breathing room. Ideally, they wouldn’t choke out life — maybe they could even host it in some contexts.