Zero-Waste Writing

I am a list-maker. I make lists everywhere: in OneNote on my computer, in the Notes section of my phone, on bookmarks and Post-Its. But my preferred list-making method is a regular, 8"x 11" ruled notebook and a pen. For this purpose, I keep a container full of pens and pencils on my desk, readily available for me to grab one and scribble to my heart's content when the need strikes.

Well I'm not sure what's happened this week, but I've burned through about four dried-out pens. And each time I toss one of the thin, disposable plastic pen bodies into the trash, I get a twinge of guilt. These little bits of plastic! They kill me!

Of course, I could try to recycle the pen bodies. Some of them conveniently screw apart, allowing for easy dismantling and recycling of the component parts. But we all know that recycling, in the best case, is an imperfect solution. In the worst case, it's not a solution at all - some of these pens don't come apart, so the only way to separate the recyclable bodies from the non-recyclable ink cartridge is to try and break them open, shattering plastic pieces all over.

After the fourth pen got tossed into the trash, I decided I needed a better option. If you too are interested in weeding out this bit of plastic waste from your life, read on!

Less-Wasteful Disposable Options

If you're still a fan of having a somewhat disposable option, you can choose a pen that is made from non-plastic materials: EarthHero sells an option made from bamboo, rubber, and corn plastic. Disposable options could be nice if you're traveling or you're worried about losing pens (or having them stolen by co-workers). You might also consider purchasing some of TerraCycle's zero-waste boxes, so you can send any waste to TerraCycle (for no additional cost!) to be fully recycled.

A Low-Waste Option from the Past

As with so many things, in the past we did have a widely-used, low-waste writing option: the fountain pen. Fountain pens are infinitely reusable and when used with a converter are fairly low-waste and plastic-free. Ink is refilled from a well, which can be a messy process when you're just starting, but I'm told that the process gets easier with practice. There are many affordable fountain pen options on the market. Just be careful not to lose it!

The Old Standby

If you're really looking for the most sustainable writing option, look no further than the good old pencil. Made of wood, graphite, rubber and metal, a pencil is about as good as it gets (and pencils are hands down a better option than conventional disposable pens).

So there you have it - three more sustainable writing implements to help you weed out plastic and whittle down waste. Which option works best for you?