Teen scientist creates weedkiller from potato peels, tackles invasive species

Leo Toake, a teenager from New Jersey, has designed an eco-friendly herbicide derived from potato peels and other food scraps as part of his nonprofit initiative, Re:Imagine Inc. The development represents a novel approach to pest management that transforms agricultural waste into a practical solution for environmental restoration.

Toake's product, known as S.A.F.E., has demonstrated significant effectiveness in preliminary testing, achieving an 82.5% success rate against Japanese stilt grass, an invasive species that threatens native ecosystems. The herbicide's development has enabled targeted habitat restoration across 15 acres, with Japanese stilt grass removal as a primary focus.

The project has mobilized a substantial volunteer force, with over 70 individuals contributing to restoration and invasive species removal efforts. To date, the initiative has successfully repurposed more than 500 pounds of food waste that would otherwise have entered landfills, creating a dual environmental benefit through waste reduction and effective land management.

The initiative demonstrates how youth-led innovation can address environmental challenges while promoting sustainability and resource efficiency. As invasive species management remains a critical concern for ecosystem preservation, Toake's work suggests potential applications for similar bio-based solutions in conservation efforts across the region.