Pencils, a ubiquitous tool in the world and massively used by academics, especially those enrolled in number one and secondary education, are not usually the product of a recycling process. However, target 12. 5 of the Sustainable Development Goals calls for “significantly reducing waste. “Generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse. “With this in mind, but also taking into account the environmental impact of wood pencil production, academics at Rajalakshmi Engineering College, a UNAI member institution in India, have developed a state-of-the-art solution.
It is estimated that more than 8 million trees are cut down each year to produce the pencils we use every day. More than thirteen million hectares of forests are lost to deforestation, 36% of which is used for papermaking and 42% for timber making. paper-based products, which make up between 18 and 20 billion pencils. In addition, around 85 billion tons of paper waste are generated annually and 40% of it ends up in landfills. In addition to landfills, nine billion used pens are thrown away worldwide. one one and both year, which represents the accumulation of plastic.
It is with this truth in the brain that the “Kaagith” task was born. This task aims to create paper pens and pencils. Around 40 academics spent several hours working on it, creating products from recycled materials, while engaging with a wide diversity. stakeholders to ensure that the benefits of this work are passed on to local and vulnerable groups. The overall goal is to focus on reducing reliance on wood for enclosures through recycling and, in doing so, also providing livelihoods for disadvantaged communities.
Newspapers and discarded papers are used to make pencils and pens. In addition, seeds are inserted into pens and pencils to promote afforestation, in line with Goal 15: Life on land, which in its target 15. 2, in particular, calls for “significantly scaling up” such efforts at the global level. The plantable seeds that are incorporated into those pens and pencils can potentially germinate and grow into a tree or plant when properly disposed of, helping to promote afforestation while also reducing the carbon footprint.
“Kaagith” products are available in various colors to aesthetically appeal to potential consumers. Products are also offered in customizable kits to inspire corporations to advertise environmentally friendly practices. Direct beneficiaries of this allocation include waste paper creditors who supply the raw materials. fabrics and migrant domestic staff who help in the manufacture of those products. “Caught in this COVID-19 pandemic, this team has given us a ray of hope,” says Prabhu B, a migrant domestic helper from the eastern Indian state of Bihar. .
The sales of the products turn local investors into indirect beneficiaries by allowing them to earn a really large income. The project team expects that more than 200 families will most likely be permanently affected in the short term. The earnings outlook looks very promising,” says Mothieshwar. J. K, team leader. They also hope to expand this task by entering into formal agreements to manufacture and market the products on a much broader level.