Turning leaves into change: A journey towards sustainability

In a world where sustainability is becoming a priority, New Venture Competition participant Meenakshi Cheella—an information systems graduate student from Andhra Pradesh, India, with a background in chemical engineering—is turning what many see as waste into an opportunity. Cheella developed a leaf recycling system that transforms fallen leaves into biodegradable products offering a practical solution to waste management. 

The vision behind the project 

Cheella's journey started with a simple observation: heaps of fallen leaves scattered throughout the campus. Instead of seeing them as a waste, she saw the potential to transform the leaves into valuable products. Her idea revolves around creating a recycling system that utilizes fallen leaves to produce biodegradable materials, such as plates and bowls. 

“My goal is to create something both sustainable and practical,” said Cheella. “There’s so much natural material that gets thrown away when it could be put to good use.” 

Her commitment to sustainability and innovation motivated her to compete in the Isabella Bank Institute of Entrepreneurship New Venture Competition last April, where she earned third place in the Social Mission category. In addition to this achievement, she is an active member of Women in Technology, where she serves as a representative, and has participated in Student Government Association meetings.  

Collaboration with the chemistry department 

Recognizing the complexity of the project, Cheella reached out to the chemistry department for support. Her background in chemical engineering gave her an advantage in understanding material composition. 

The process starts with collecting fallen leaves, which are then boiled to extract their natural leaf fibers. These fibers are blended and dried to create sheets that can be molded into various products. The production process required Cheella to successfully implement trial and error techniques, resulting in an efficient and environmentally friendly production approach. 

Navigating challenges 

One of the ongoing challenges in Cheella’s project has been securing dedicated laboratory space and equipment. While the chemistry department provided valuable initial support, the project's growth has exceeded what their facilities can accommodate. 

Despite this hurdle, Cheella credits much of her progress to the encouragement of faculty members and the collaborative environment at CMU. 

“I’ve had incredible support from professors and classmates who believe in this idea,” said Cheella. “That kind of encouragement makes all the difference.” 

Looking ahead 

Cheella intends to expand her leaf recycling initiative beyond university level, producing a wider range of biodegradable products that could replace single-use plastics. She is also working to improve the process, increase the production volume, and explore sustainable packaging business partnerships. 

The development of her project demonstrates how cooperative research between different fields leads to beneficial real–world changes. By combining her expertise in information systems and chemical engineering, she is proving that innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand. 

She also encourages upcoming students to explore beyond the classroom by participating in competitions, research, and student organizations to develop skills that extend beyond traditional coursework.