Plastic Reduction Challenge Day 66: Sub Pencils for Markers and Pens

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Until the last 70 years or so, people composed documents and corresponded with friends by using a bottle of ink and a refillable pen. These days, when we aren’t typing on a computer, Americans use and throw away an estimated 1.6 billion pens per year! Pens are made from, you guessed it, plastic. So are markers, mechanical pencils, highlighters, sharpies, and dry erase markers. Luckily, there are a few options for recycling these items. Staples collects pens and markers on-site. Crayola also spearheads a marker recycling program called Colorcycle for schools. And you can always send them in to the Pen Guy. This guy collects used pens and markers and turns them into beautiful art. In my opinion, the best option is to switch to a more sustainable product.

Today’s Challenge: Use the pens and markers you have on hand until they are completely out of ink. In the meantime, refuse any freebie pens so you don’t add more to your stash. Place a box in your recycling station labeled “pens and markers” so you can collect the used ones for the recycling programs above. Then, bookmark this page for the future so you have ideas for alternatives once you are running out.

Substitute pencils. Most of us have an endless supply of pencils hanging around (all of them unsharpened or with broken tips). Most pencils are made from wood and the shavings can be composted.
Colored pencils can be used instead of highlighters, or check out these highlighter pencils.
Chalk is also really popular these days since chalkboard paint became a thing. Chalkboards are a great replacement for dry erase boards.
If you are not ready to give up pens just yet, check out this inkless pen, which may just be the most sustainable option as it is made of metal and states that it will last nearly forever. It writes more like a pencil than a pen.
For offices, there are many bulk options at eco-pens.com. They offer a variety of pens made from recycled plastics, recycled cardboard, recycled cork, corn bio-plastic, or bamboo, some are even refillable.
For individuals, there are always the fountain pens of the past. Yes, they do still exist and you can buy a bottle of ink to go with it!