Sustainable Pens: A Guide to Eco-Friendly Writing Utensils
In today's eco-conscious world, even the smallest everyday items can have a significant environmental impact. One such item is the humble pen. Thankfully, a growing number of companies are producing sustainable pens that minimise their environmental footprint.
This guide will explore some of the most eco-friendly pen options available, helping you make informed choices for a greener writing experience.
1. Recycled and Biodegradable Materials:
- Bic ECOlutions Ballpoint Pens: These pens boast barrels made from 74% recycled plastic and 25% bio-based plastic derived from renewable resources like corn.
- Pilot Bottle 2 Pen: This unique, environmentally friendly rollerball pen is made from 90% recycled PET plastic bottles and contains smooth gel ink.
2. Refillable Pens:
- Refill cartridges: Opt for pens with refillable cartridges instead of disposable ones. This significantly reduces plastic waste.
- Rollerball pens: These often use less ink than ballpoint pens, making them a more sustainable choice.
3. Eco-Friendly Inks:
- Water-based inks: Many modern pens utilise water-based inks that are less toxic and easier to dispose of than oil-based inks.
- Low-VOC inks: Look for pens with low-volatile organic compound (VOC) inks, which minimise harmful emissions.
4. Plant-Based Options:
- Wooden pens: Crafted from sustainably sourced wood, these pens offer a natural and elegant alternative to plastic.
- Bamboo pens: Bamboo is a rapidly renewable resource, making it an excellent choice for eco-conscious pen materials.
5. Pilot FriXion Erasable Gel Pens:
- While not entirely biodegradable, FriXion pens offer a unique approach to sustainability.
- The ink disappears with friction, eliminating the need for physical erasers and reducing waste.
Tips for Choosing Sustainable Pens:
- Look for certifications: Choose pens from brands with environmental certifications, such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) for sustainably sourced wood.
- Consider the entire lifecycle: Evaluate the entire lifecycle of the pen, from production to disposal, when making your choice.
- Support eco-conscious brands: Choose brands that prioritise sustainability in their manufacturing processes and product design.
Close the Loop: Recycle Your Pens with the Edding Pen Recycling Scheme!
Here at The Green Office, we're passionate about providing eco-friendly office supplies and helping businesses operate sustainably. That's why we're thrilled to offer the innovative Edding Pen Recycling Scheme!
This program allows companies, schools, and organisations to easily recycle their old and empty Edding markers, promoting environmental responsibility and reducing waste.
Here's how it works:
- Order a free Edding return box: We offer these boxes specifically designed for collecting used Edding markers.
- Fill the box with your empty markers: Once you've used up all the ink in your Edding markers, simply pop them in the return box. Don't worry about other brands – this scheme is exclusive to Edding products.
- Return the box for recycling: Once the box is full, send it back to us using the pre-paid shipping label provided.
The Benefits:
Edding takes care of the rest! The markers are then sorted and broken down, with over 70% of the materials being recycled and used to create new Edding EcoLine products. This closed-loop system offers a multitude of benefits:
- Reduced Environmental Impact: Recycling pens keeps them out of landfill and conserves valuable resources.
- CO2 Savings: By using recycled materials, Edding significantly reduces their carbon footprint. In fact, for every tonne of returned materials, approximately 1.4 tonnes of CO2 emissions are saved! This means even long-distance shipping for recycling has a positive impact.
- Sustainable Choice: By choosing the Edding Pen Recycling Scheme, you're demonstrating your commitment to a more sustainable future.
Embrace a Greener Tomorrow:
Recycling your pens is a simple yet impactful way to make a difference. The Edding Pen Recycling Scheme makes the process easy and convenient. Partner with The Green Office and Edding to close the loop, reduce waste, and contribute to a more sustainable future for our planet.
Ready to get started? Order your free return box today and start making a difference! Let's work together to promote a greener workplace!
