Conventional pencils these days tend to all be made from cedar wood, but you can buy pencils with the outer casings made from tree-free materials. Wood-free recycled newspaper pencils are handmade by a social enterprise in Sri Lanka.
Keep pens & pencils away from young children & pets. Avoid using plantable pencils near pets, as most contain wildflowers. Learn more on how to make your garden safe for pets.
Billions of pencils are sold worldwide, and many end up going down storm drains and into the sea. And if you’ve ever accidentally stabbed your hand with a pencil, you can imagine how pens harm marine creatures.
pencils made from recycled CD cases
Vent for Change offers pencils that use recycled CD cases for the body, sold in cardboard packaging. Sold in a pack of 3, these are tree-free, yet sharpen like cedarwood pencils. The company does sell some items made from recycled leather (we don’t list these, as it may create a market).
a mechanical pencil with refillable lead
Tom’s mechanical pencil has solid brass grip, andaluminium body. Sold with refillable leads and a quality pencil eraser.
pencil cases (made from recycled cotton)
Karenza & Co (Hampshire) makes pretty pastel pencil cases, made using recycled cotton from the fashion industry, printed with eco-friendly dyes. These feature heavy-duty hand-tied zips, and also work as good make-up bags. Choose your favourite colour and you even add an initial for a nice zero waste gift.
pencil holders made from recycled newspaper
These pencil holders are made from recycled newspaper. Randomly unique, ask for a colour theme and they will try to match it to your office. Handmade by a social enterprise in Sri Lanka.
where to recycle plastic pens & 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 also download a poster to display near the recycling box, and all items are sent off to be made into other things (like park benches).
