Pencils From Papers: Reducing Pollution, Creating Solutions

Pencils made from recycled newspapers could help reduce pollution. When paper decomposes in landfills, it releases harmful greenhouse gases. By reusing old newspapers to create pencils, the amount of paper decomposing in landfills is reduced, thereby lowering the amount of greenhouse gas released into the atmosphere. This eco-friendly initiative is being brought to life by two brothers in Kenya, who are transforming newspapers into pencils that feel like they're made from real wood.

How are pencils made from recycled newspapers?

Pencils made from recycled newspapers are an innovative solution to reduce pollution. Paper dumped in landfills is one of the worst contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Manufacturing pencils from old newspapers is an eco-friendly alternative to wooden pencils, reducing waste and preserving nature.

The process of making pencils from recycled newspapers begins with collecting or purchasing unread newspapers. The newspapers are then stacked and cut into strips, with one newspaper strip being enough to make a single pencil. The graphite core is hand-pasted into each strip, a slow and meticulous task. The newspaper strip and the core are then rolled into a pencil using a semi-automatic machine.

The next step is drying the pencils. Initially, ovens were used, but due to their high electricity consumption, a natural drying method was adopted, which can take up to two days. After drying, the pencils are cut to ensure they are all of equal length. Finally, each pencil undergoes quality control before being packed into boxes.

This production method can yield 3000-3500 pencils per day, and it is constantly being improved to achieve a waste-free process. The final product is a pencil that is just as hard and solid as a traditional wooden pencil, writes smoothly, sharpens easily, and supports recycling initiatives.

By choosing to use pencils made from recycled newspapers, we can make a positive impact on the environment and contribute to a greener future.

What are the environmental benefits of keeping paper out of landfills?

When paper is dumped in landfills, it becomes one of the worst contributors to greenhouse gases. By keeping paper out of landfills, we can significantly reduce pollution. For instance, two brothers in Kenya are turning old newspapers into pencils, which helps prevent the paper from being disposed of in landfills and thus contributing to greenhouse gases.

There are several other environmental benefits to keeping paper out of landfills. Firstly, it helps reduce the amount of space taken up in landfills, which are already overflowing in many parts of the world. Landfills are a major source of air, water, and soil pollution, as the organic material in the landfills decays and releases harmful gases and liquids. By reducing the amount of paper in landfills, we can help mitigate these issues.

Additionally, keeping paper out of landfills can help conserve natural resources. Paper is typically made from wood pulp, which requires cutting down trees and using large amounts of water and energy in the manufacturing process. By recycling and reusing paper, we can reduce the demand for new paper products and preserve our precious natural resources for future generations.

Another benefit is the reduction of litter and waste. When paper is not properly disposed of, it can end up as litter on our streets, in our parks, and in our waterways. This not only looks unsightly but also poses a threat to wildlife and the environment. By finding alternative uses for old newspapers and other forms of paper, we can help reduce the amount of waste that ends up as litter.

Furthermore, keeping paper out of landfills can help reduce the carbon footprint of paper production. The manufacturing of paper is a highly energy-intensive process, requiring large amounts of fossil fuels and contributing to carbon emissions. By reusing and recycling paper, we can help lower the overall carbon footprint associated with paper production and consumption.

How do pencils made from old newspapers feel?

Pencils crafted from old newspapers offer a unique tactile experience that blends sustainability and functionality. When users hold these innovative writing instruments, they can expect a sensation akin to grasping a traditional wooden pencil. The recycled newspaper material is transformed through a meticulous process, resulting in a smooth and sturdy writing utensil.

The texture of the pencil made from old newspapers is surprisingly similar to that of its wooden counterpart. The recycled paper fibres are compressed and treated to create a durable surface that feels comfortable and familiar in the hand. Users will appreciate the subtle ridges and natural variations that provide a secure grip, enhancing their writing or drawing experience.

The weight of these pencils is another notable aspect of their tactile feel. While the specific weight may vary depending on the production process and the type of newspaper used, they generally possess a satisfying heft that is comparable to wooden pencils. This balanced weight distribution contributes to a sense of stability and control during use.

In addition to their environmental benefits, pencils made from old newspapers offer a sensory experience that is both familiar and novel. The smooth surface, reminiscent of wood, provides a comfortable grip, while the knowledge of using a recycled product adds a layer of satisfaction and sustainability to the user's experience.

Overall, the tactile sensation of using pencils made from old newspapers is highly positive. Users can enjoy the familiar feel of a wooden pencil while contributing to a more sustainable future. The smooth texture, secure grip, and balanced weight distribution make these pencils a pleasure to use, encouraging creativity and environmental responsibility with every stroke.

How widely available are pencils made from recycled newspapers?

Pencils made from recycled newspapers are available from a variety of sources, including online retailers and small businesses. For example, Amazon offers a set of 24 recycled newspaper pencils, although they are currently unavailable and it is unknown when or if they will be back in stock.

There are also smaller businesses that sell pencils made from recycled newspapers, such as Provisions Kenya, whose products are available on shopzuri.com. These pencils are handcrafted by engaging various youth and women groups to collect old newspapers, and the pencils are hand-rolled, sanded, and assembled in the workshop. Similarly, GoGrameen, launched by a mechanical engineer from Pune, Rajesh Singh, offers a box of 10 recycled paper pencils for 50 rupees. Another option is Stationery Mela, a business based in Coimbatore that sells eco-friendly stationery products in bulk, including recycled paper pencils.

Overall, while the availability of pencils made from recycled newspapers may vary depending on region and supplier, they can be found through online retailers and small businesses, offering consumers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional wooden pencils.

Who are the pioneers of pencils made from old newspapers?

The Marković family in Serbia are pioneers in making pencils from old newspapers. After 16 years in the service industry, they decided to try their hand at manufacturing. They were inspired by the movie 'The Odd Life of Timothy Green', in which one of the characters works at a pencil factory. They learned that in China and India, pencils were made from old newspapers and recycled paper. This sparked their interest in creating an environmentally friendly product. They successfully combined creativity and responsibility to the environment, resulting in peculiar pencils and coloured pencils made from old newspapers.

The production process starts with collecting or purchasing unread newspapers. The newspapers are then cut into strips, with one strip being enough to make a single pencil. The slowest part of the process is hand-pasting the graphite core into each strip. The newspaper strip and the core are then rolled into a pencil using a semi-automatic machine. The Marković family dries the pencils naturally, which takes a maximum of two days, and then cuts them to ensure they are all of equal length. They produce 3000-3500 pencils per day and source all their raw materials, except graphite, from Serbia.

In addition to the Marković family, two brothers in Kenya are also pioneers in making pencils from old newspapers. They are saving old newspapers from landfills, where paper contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Their pencils made from recycled newspapers feel like they are made with real wood.

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