Paul Jones is the Director of Lumec, an economic research company that provides services to support evidence-based decision making in green and circular economy projects. He holds an Master’s Degree in Economics from UKZN, which focussed on the viability of alternative waste technologies to divert organic municipal solid waste in South Africa. Starting his career in 2008 as a development economist, Paul has worked on diverse projects across South Africa. Over the past 18 years, he has gained expertise in cost-benefit analyses, socio-economic research, strategic planning, value chain analysis, and feasibility studies. Paul is particularly passionate about sustainability and combines his qualifications, experience, and his passion for the environment and people to provide a unique response to the developmental challenges that we face.
Carol Lovemore is the Founder and Director of Coffee & Compost, a Durban-based
environmental initiative dedicated to promoting soil sustainability, biodiversity, food security,
and regenerative living. Through her popular Coffee & Compost Sustainable Gardening and
Living Workshops, hosted from her home in Westville, Carol creates a welcoming space
where people gather to share knowledge, enjoy coffee, and learn practical ways to reduce
their environmental footprint while contributing to a healthier planet.
A passionate environmental advocate, Carol champions the belief that healthy soil is the
foundation of healthy communities and a healthy planet. Through Coffee & Compost, she
educates individuals, gardeners, schools, and community groups on food waste composting,
garden waste composting, vegetable gardening, and indigenous planting practices that enrich
soil health, support biodiversity, and strengthen local food systems. Her work encourages
collective environmental action and demonstrates how small, everyday choices can
contribute to ecological restoration and long-term sustainability.
Linus is a seasoned leader and environmentalist at heart and in practice. He holds a Doctorate in Chemical Engineering which focused on organic waste and energy solutions in emerging economies, and is completing an MBA in Leadership and Sustainability.
He is currently the Managing Director of a sustainability consultancy called Green Gap. Prior to that, for more than a decade, Linus has brought his expertise to Don't Waste, a waste minimisation company. In his various roles, Linus provided oversight in Sustainability, Software and Business Development; spearheading initiatives to enhance recycling practices, client reporting, and promoting sustainability awareness. Linus is also a director of the Zero Waste Foundation a non-profit organisation focused on waste minimisation, education and environmental conservation.
Linus has curated skills in sustainability strategy, waste minimisation, circular economy, supply chain management, carbon strategy, and net zero. To this end, he is Net Zero Accredited professionals with the Green Building Council of South Africa, and using his experience in waste minimisation and alternatives to landfill, Linus specialises in Net Zero Waste Certifications.
Nathalie is a soil and compost enthusiast dedicated to helping farmers and waste management companies create high-quality compost. Her focus is on closing the loop and promoting sustainable practices to reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers and improve soil health. She runs a certified laboratory under the Soil Food Web school and facilitates programs for both remote and in person training.
Sarah comes from a nursing background, having completed a BSc from the University of Cape Town with nursing experience in South Africa and the UK. She subsequently did an Honours in Nature Conservation at Stellenbosch University and Masters in Environmental Science at London University, also becoming a Green Star SA accredited professional with the Green Building Council of SA on her return to SA in 2008.
Sarah started working with award-winning UK based Bioregional Development Group whilst overseas and at the end of 2004 began working on the One Planet Communities initiative, then in its infancy. She moved to Durban to better fulfill this role and established the environmental NPO / PBO Bioregional South Africa in 2008, dedicated to developing practical solutions for sustainable living and furthering the use of the One Planet Living framework in this country. Her work varied to include delivery of One Planet workshops, stakeholder engagement, being part of consultancy teams and advisory panels, and management of projects that used the One Planet framework e.g. enterprise development work, refurbishment / new build projects. She has twice instigated volunteer programmes in her own neighbourhood on subjects that she is passionate about e.g. anti-plastic pollution, zero waste and educating the youth about sustainability. Sisonke Compost was born out of theurgent need to divert that 40% waste fraction that is organic waste and to promote the solidarity economy to decentralize compost making. This will support more local economy, food gardens, microenterprise development and build resilience in the face of climate change.