Leaf to Life was a youth-led environmental initiative that brought together young people from my school and the community to transform fallen leaves and recycled paper waste into biodegradable, compostable planters. The project was driven by a shared commitment to sustainability and was designed to provide an eco-friendly alternative to plastic pots found in nurseries. Since the planters can be placed directly into the ground, seedlings remain intact without the disturbance caused by removing them from plastic pots, resulting in healthier plant growth and improved soil health as microplastics cannot enter the soil.
Funding and resources were used for sourcing materials, basic equipment, and outreach. Our equipment included pie plates, blenders, and parchment paper. Our raw materials included fenugreek seeds, glycerin, vinegar, cornstarch, baking soda. The funds also allowed us to create promotional posters and advertise the event within the community and on various social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Eventbrite, helping reach a wider community audience. By intentionally directing our efforts toward these areas, we were able to reduce organic and paper waste headed to landfills while demonstrating how everyday waste can be repurposed into practical tools for gardening and restoration.
Youth engagement was at the center of the Leaf to Life initiative. Students participated in collecting fallen leaves, forming the planters, and learning about compostability throughout the process. Working collaboratively not only strengthened environmental awareness but also built meaningful connections between youth who shared a common purpose in climate action.
The finished planters were donated to local nurseries, community gardens, and school gardening programs in the Township of Langley, helping make gardening practices more sustainable by reducing dependence on single-use plastics. By replacing traditional plastic pots found in nurseries, Leaf to Life reduced plastic pollution, diverted waste from landfills, enhanced the durability of the seedlings, and enriched soil as the planters naturally decomposed. Beyond these environmental benefits, the project empowered youth to take leadership in climate-positive action.
We are deeply grateful for the $335.00 grant provided by Neighbourhood Small Grants, whose generous support made Leaf to Life possible. The project and demonstrated the powerful impact that small, community-driven solutions can have on advancing long-term sustainability goals. Seeing youth actively engaged, learning about climate justice, and contributing to greener community spaces was deeply rewarding. Leaf to Life has laid a strong foundation for future initiatives that continue to transform waste into opportunity and inspire sustainable habits within our communities.
