A back-to-school lesson
Biodegradable pens! Who knew?
Do we have to scrutinize everything we use, and question if it's harmful to the environment? Yes, even though it can be a challenge at times, I strongly believe we do. And wherever it's possible to make changes, we should. A coworker of mine recently turned my attention to Paper Mate's new biodegradable pen and mechanical pencil. I admit, before this I never gave much thought to my writing utensils, but now that I know we can even make small changes in that department, it's something I'll think about every time I pick up a pen or pencil.
Paper Mate's new products will decompose in your soil or home compost within a year. They're made from a product called "Mirel", a bioplastic derived from corn sugar. The other thing that's great is both the pen and pencil can be refilled. Paper Mate Biodegradable will be available this September.
Looking for more good news? The pens will run for about $1.50, and the pencils for $3.15. Pretty reasonable in my opinion!
There are also plenty of pens and pencils on the market that are made of sustainable wood and the same bioplastic material - they're cute and make a great gift.
Next time you write down that grocery list, think about what your pen is made of.
Tags: back to school, paper mate, pencils, pens
August 12th, 2009 at 12:24 pm
wow! awesome! way to go PaperMate!
August 12th, 2009 at 9:34 pm
BC Hydro have biodegradable pens out for free at a Home Show.
August 13th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Good on Papermate!! I hope all those businesses who hand out pens with their names and logos will think of using biodegrable ones.
August 13th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
This is great news, I agree with Pat. So many pens get handed out each year, it would be fabulous if they were helping the environment while advertising.
August 13th, 2009 at 6:53 pm
Bic also makes a Ecolutions Retractable Pen which is made of 62% pre-consumer recycled plastic. I'm sure and I hope more compagnies will follow.