In the face of a mounting global waste crisis, an inspiring group of friends from the Western Cape has taken up the challenge to really make a difference, one school at a time.

Enter the world of Plant the Seed, a visionary business on a mission to revolutionise the prevailing “throw-away culture” by igniting recycling initiatives and fostering responsible waste management practices, especially amongst our youth.  

Led by entrepreneurial duo Thomas Chevallier and Mattieu Theron, Plant the Seed was established in 2015 in the Western Cape. Their main objective was to bring the vital message of sustainability directly to schools through interactive workshops designed for teachers and learners.

These engaging sessions cover a wide range of sustainability themes, including regenerative agriculture, renewable energy, the circular economy, and social justice, among others.   

As Plant the Seed continued to grow, it evolved into a comprehensive sustainability program known as the ‘Zero Waste Toolkit’. This ground-breaking initiative focuses on driving behavioural change by providing a holistic recycling and waste management service to schools and corporates. 

 At the heart of this trailblazing program is Damien Hewitt, a mutual friend and an integral force in supporting schools to foster ecologically responsible behaviour.  The impact of the programme has been remarkable.

Since the launch of the Toolkit in 2022, Plant the Seed has successfully trained over 4450 learners and 325 teachers, diverting over 13,500kg of recycling and compostable waste from landfills. These numbers may appear modest, but they represent significant strides towards a more sustainable future. 

“We started this because we recognised the urgent need for sustainability in our schools, and we believed that educating for sustainable development would make an impact. We felt that schools and organisations are best placed to start changing behaviours to turn the tide on waste,” shared Mattieu. 

“In addition to training, our program also consists of auditing, sourcing affordable and appropriate infrastructure, and providing ongoing support through regular check-ins, monitoring and evaluation, educational resources, and waste reports.”  

Beyond the numbers, Plant the Seed is driving real change by championing the circular economy, reducing waste, and empowering individuals to take ownership of their waste management practices.  Their efforts have far-reaching positive implications for our planet.  

While the journey has been challenging, with constant attention required for cash flow and sales generation as well as the pressures of managing personal lives, these friends remained steadfast in their commitment and have learnt to navigate obstacles with resilience and determination. 

Their long-term vision is to create an inclusive movement of individuals, schools, businesses, and organisations dedicated to embracing ecologically responsible practices and the principles of the circular economy.  

“We believe that through self-reliance, moderation, conservation, and stewardship, we can create a world that is not only sustainable but also just and equitable for all,” said Thomas. 

Plant the Seed’s journey serves as an inspiration to all,  reminding us that even the smallest seed can grow into a mighty tree. Every action we take today has the power to safeguard our planet for tomorrow.   Join them in their mission to change the world – https://planttheseed.co.za/