Pretty Office Accessories (from recycled cotton)

Karenzo & Co is a lovely little company, which produces beautiful office accessories in all kinds of colours and styles (mostly ‘pretty pinks’ but there are also some darker paisley designs for less feminine offices).

Nearly everything is made from offcuts from the fashion industry, helping to upcycle items from one of the most wasteful industries.

The range includes pen holders, waste bins and file folders, along with notebooks made with recycled paper. The designs are screen-printed and finished with plant-based eco dyes and glues.

Hedgerow designs are printed on mulberry paper with images of native birds and florals. Moody Hues features dragonflies, ladybirds, bees and butterflies.

Pencils are choking hazards, so keep them away from young children and pets. Some plantable ‘seed pencils’ contain wildflowers that are not safe near animal friends. Read our post on pet-friendly gardens.

Never throw pencils on the street. Any litter ends up going down storm drains and into the sea. If you’ve ever accidentally stabbed your hand with a pencil, you can imagine how discarded pens and pencils can harm marine creatures.

Where to Recycle Plastic Pens and Pencils 

Terracycle offers a free writing instruments recycling programme, sponsored by industry. Just order a box for your office, school or community then everyone can deposit unwanted pens, pencils, highlighters, correction fluids, felt-tips pens and erasers.

You can download a poster to display near the recycling box, and all items are sent off to be made into other things (like park benches).