From Trash to Treasure: Pioneering Waste Solutions in South Africa

Coffee with Changemakers

Thomas Chevallier, Co-founder and Director of Plant the Seed, launched a community-run organic farm as a student. Years later, this evolved into an impact-driven business providing end-to-end waste management solutions to South African schools and businesses.

Plant the Seed has diverted 100,000+kgs of waste from landfills through its innovative ‘Zero Waste Toolkit’, as well as empowering 17,000+ people, including 1,000+ educators, with training in recycling and waste management.

We follow Thomas’ journey from starting a student movement to leading a revolutionary waste management business. He explores the challenges and successes of turning a passion into a business, finding ‘bleeding neck problems’, and how his team uses creative videos and nudges to drive behaviour change in schools.

Join us for an uplifting conversation about entrepreneurship, waste management, perseverance, education, and Thomas’ ongoing mission for a cleaner, greener future.
Highlights

06:09 Launching the Student Organic Farm
11:01 Challenges in Establishing a Sustainable Business
16:05 Identifying the 'Bleeding Neck Problem'
24:02 The Zero Waste Toolkit: A Comprehensive Solution
30:33 Systems Thinking in Action
37:11 Bridging Gaps: Education and Infrastructure
44:34 The Entrepreneurial Journey: Challenges and Motivations
50:20 Key Learnings, Reflections & Future Aspirations

Follow Thomas & Plant The Seed here: https://planttheseed.co.za/