In a refreshing display of youthful innovation and environmental consciousness, two Irish high school students, Ryan Plunkett and Killian Farrell, have made international waves with a groundbreaking invention that transforms discarded grass clippings into sustainable paper. The 16-year-olds, who attend Tullamore College in County Offaly, Ireland, have taken their community’s lawn waste and turned it into an eco-friendly product with global potential.

The invention, dubbed "Grass Sheets," earned them the Gold Award at Ireland's 2025 Young Social Innovators (YSI) Awards, where they were celebrated for their creativity, sustainability focus, and real-world impact.

The project began as part of their school’s participation in the YSI program—a national initiative that challenges students to tackle social and environmental issues with practical solutions. While others looked to recycling or awareness campaigns, Plunkett and Farrell zeroed in on the large piles of cut grass accumulating at Tullamore Pitch and Putt Club.

Instead of seeing trash, they saw untapped potential.

With mentorship from local officials at Offaly County Council, the teens developed a process to convert the clippings into usable sheets of paper—effectively creating a renewable alternative to traditional tree-based paper, which is often criticized for its environmental toll, including deforestation and water pollution.

Grass Sheets not only reduces waste but also offers a more sustainable way of thinking about how paper is made. Traditional methods rely heavily on chopping down trees and processing them with chemical-heavy treatments. In contrast, Plunkett and Farrell’s method uses what would normally be discarded — saving resources and repurposing local waste.

“It’s not just about recycling grass — it’s about rethinking our approach to natural resources,” said their teacher, Emma Bradley, who guided the boys throughout their journey.

More than a scientific breakthrough, the project has become a symbol of what young minds can achieve when given support and room to experiment. Through Grass Sheets, the students didn’t just reduce waste — they inspired an entire school and community.

“YSI has opened so many doors for these students,” Bradley said. “Back in September, neither of them would have imagined standing on a stage to present their ideas. Now they’re leaders.”

The confidence and life skills gained—public speaking, teamwork, community collaboration—were just as impactful as the invention itself.

The young inventors aren't stopping at awards. Plunkett and Farrell are already in talks with local businesses to explore commercial opportunities, and they hope to refine the production process for broader applications—from eco-friendly packaging to school supplies.

They also aim to educate others, planning workshops to teach fellow students and community members how everyday waste can become something of value.

Their success story has sparked conversations across Ireland about the importance of innovation in tackling climate issues at the community level.

Plunkett and Farrell’s story is a powerful reminder that climate solutions don’t always require massive funding or advanced labs. Sometimes, all it takes is a mower, a vision, and the courage to experiment.

As their teacher put it:

Indeed, if these two teenagers are anything to go by, the next generation of problem-solvers isn’t waiting for permission — they’re already building a greener, smarter world, one grass blade at a time.


By WafricNews Desk.