Plastic bags are known for their environmental impact. They slowly release toxic chemicals once in the soil, for instance, and find their way into the guts of animals that often choke and die as a result.
Kenya banned the use of plastic bags in 2017. And thanks to a 43-year old Kenyan, Teddy Kinyanjui, an innovative afforestation and reforestation method for developing seedlings without using plastic bags is in place.
A resident of Nairobi and founder of Cookswell Jikos Limited, Kinyanjui has invented small, portable seed balls to grow and easily disperse seedlings. He is working in partnership with Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), which certifies seeds.
Read more at SciDevNet
Image: A four-month-old Moringa tree (Moringa oleifera), an indigenous Kenyan specie, sprouting from Kinyanjui's farm. The tree is used to make tea and has medicinal value. (Credit: Verenardo Meeme)