From Indiatimes · TOI Science Desk · · 2m
Leo Toake's Eco-Innovation
16-year-old Leo Toake turns potato peels and coffee grounds into a weedkiller that kills 82.5% of invasive plants.
In brief
16-year-old Leo Toake turns potato peels and coffee grounds into a weedkiller that kills 82.5% of invasive plants. Leo Toake, 16, from New Jersey, created S.A.F.E. weedkiller from food scraps that inhibits 82.5% of Japanese stilt grass. Originally reported by Indiatimes.
Leo Toake's Eco-Innovation
Meet Leo Toake, 16, from New Jersey, who turned discarded potato peels and coffee grounds into a weedkiller tested at 82.5% inhibition.
S.A.F.E. Weedkiller
His product, S.A.F.E., achieved 82.5% inhibition against Japanese stilt grass in preliminary trials.
Community Restoration
Toake and 70+ volunteers restored 15 acres and removed over two tons of invasive plants.
Food Waste Diversion
The initiative diverted more than 500 pounds of food waste from landfills into S.A.F.E. production.
Re:Imagine Inc.
Toake co-founded Re:Imagine Inc. to address food waste and invasive plant species.
Barron Prize Recognition
Toake was a 2026 runner-up in the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes.
Native Species Planting
The team planted over 100 keystone species to restore local biodiversity.
Volunteer Impact
Over 70 volunteers participated in habitat restoration across 15 acres in northern New Jersey.
Invasive Plant Removal
The project removed more than two tons of invasive plant biomass.
Community Partnerships
Re:Imagine Inc. partnered with local businesses and nature centers for restoration efforts.
Early Recognition
The team won third prize and $2,500 in the Bill of Rights Institute's MyImpact Challenge.
Sustainable Solution
S.A.F.E. offers a low-cost alternative to conventional weedkillers for invasive plants.
Long-Term Vision
Toake aims to build a lasting culture of environmental responsibility through community action.
Native Ecosystem Recovery
The project helps native biodiversity recover by reducing invasive plant spread.
Eco-Community Model
Re:Imagine Inc. shows how food waste can become a tool for environmental restoration.
Future Impact
The initiative demonstrates scalable solutions for invasive plant management and food waste reduction.
The key point
Leo Toake, 16, from New Jersey, created S.A.F.E. weedkiller from food scraps that inhibits 82.5% of Japanese stilt grass.
