Most pens and biros are made from plastic, so if dropped on the ground, they go down storm drains and into the sea. So a biodegradable pen would be ideal, but usually not really possible to write with. So for now, just use less pens and choose brands made with better materials, then recycle them with Terracycle at end of life, to be made into something else. This is a free program sponsored by BIC, so just set up a local recycling point like a shop or school in your area, and take along all unwanted writing instruments allowed (including markers, highlighters and correction fluids – Tippex). Keep all pens in pencil cases, as they are choking hazards for small children and pets.
Vent for Change offers pens of all colours, with the outsides made from recycled materials (be careful as a few of the other items on their store contain leather).
Pens made from Whisky Oak Barrels
Open Narrative offers nice pens made with recycled oak barrels. Also available:
Handmade ballpoint pen and a recycled fountain pen.
Wood Turner Peter makes pens with the outside made from recycled whisky barrels. Each one is lovingly turned by hand by a master craftsman, in his workshop in the Scottish Highlands. He has been turning and carving wood for over 50 years. Choose the Twist Pen (just twist one half of the pen to propel the nib). Or Click Pen is another option (choose copper, gun metal grey, gold or chrome finishes).
