The concept of sustainability has become much more prevalent in recent years. Most people are becoming aware of the detrimental impact of exponential consumerism on our planet. One of the areas where this consciousness is effectuated is in the domain of stationery. Specifically, there’s an increasing interest in devising innovative eco-friendly solutions to offer alternatives to traditional pens and pencils. In this article, we’ll delve into the realm of crafting recycled pens and pencils.
Both at home and in offices, crafting recycled pens and pencils is an intriguing venture with commendable ecological implications. It goes beyond the basic recycling programs; it’s essentially transforming the old into new, functional writing instruments. Here’s how you can get started.
## The Pencil that grows into a Plant
The first stage involves collecting old, discarded wooden pencils. The “Sprout Pencil” is a unique concept that has attracted worldwide acclaim. It’s a pencil that grows into a plant once it’s too short to use. Consider collecting old cedarwood pencils and refashioning them into sprout pencils.
To start, cut the pencil bottom into a rounded or pointed shape. Then carve a small hole at its base. Insert a biodegradable seed capsule (containing high-quality, non-GMO seeds) and seal it with some bio-gum.
With this creation, when the pencil becomes too short to use, instead of discarding it, plant it upright in soil. In a few weeks, a new plant will sprout from it, integrating the beauty of sustainability.
## Crafting Eco-Friendly Pens from Cardboards
An effective way to recycle materials into pens is by using cardboard tubes. These tubes, typically used as cores for tissue rolls, can be repurposed into cylindrical barrels for pens.
Begin by thoroughly cleaning the tube. Next, cut it to mimic the length of a standard pen. Subsequently, pierce a round hole at one end where the ballpoint will be inserted. It requires an old refillable pen case with its cartridge. Insert the cartridge within the tube and ensure the ballpoint stick out from the hole. Secure the cartridge using eco-friendly glue. It’s a quick, cost-effective method to upcycle materials into utility objects.
## Constructing Pens With Bamboo Material
Bamboo is a flexible, durable and elegant resource. Creating pens out of bamboo stalks requires more precision and skill but the results are phenomenally beautiful.
Start by selecting a mature bamboo stalk and cut it to match a pen’s length. Carve the upper part of the stalk to fit a pen cap and drill a hole at the bottom to fit the pen nib. You will need an old pen as a donor for these parts. Very gently, insert the nib into the bamboo stalk and secure it with natural glue. You can also craft the pen cap from another piece of bamboo or use the old one.
## Recycled Plastic Pen
Plastic recycling is a big movement in today’s world. However, it’s essential to note that this process should be performed with care as heating and reshaping plastic items at home can release toxic fumes.
Plastic Bottle Pens are one of the products of this movement. Gather a number of plastic bottles and cut them into thin strips, about the size of a regular pen barrel. Using a heat-resistant tool, like a soldering iron, coil your strip into a pen-like shape, with one end slightly wider than the other for the pen nib.
Insert a ballpoint pen refill into your newly crafted barrel- ensure that the tip sticks out of the narrower end, and the wider end acts as a cap. It’s recommended to wear protective gear while handling the heat tools.
## Recycled Newspaper Pencils
Instead of tossing them in the trash, paper materials like newspapers can be repurposed into a pencil. Begin by cutting the newspaper into wide strips. Soak them briefly in a mixture of water and PVA glue then tightly roll the strip around a graphite stick, beginning at one edge. As you approach the end of one strip, attach another and keep rolling until the pencil is your desired thickness. Leave it to dry thoroughly; then using a sharp knife, carve a point at the graphite end.
Crafting recycled pens and pencils not only promotes environmental sustainability but also imparts a sense of fulfillment that comes from creating utility items with your own hands. In today’s world where digital media is increasingly replacing traditional writing instruments, ensuring a sustainable future for our planet is of paramount importance. Innovations like these are essential to inspire and steer individuals and institutions towards more eco-friendly alternatives. Remember, no step is too small when it comes to saving our planet.
