Filipino startups Eco Hub Cebu and Usbong have revolutionized sustainable writing tools by creating innovative plantable pencils made entirely from recycled newspapers, replacing traditional erasers with biodegradable gelatin capsules containing various seeds.
According to Esquire Philippines, these eco-friendly pencils transform from writing instruments into growing plants once they become too short to use, simply by planting the seed-filled tip in soil.
The handcrafted pencils can sprout into useful herbs like basil and mint, vegetables such as tomatoes, or beautiful flowers like sunflowers, typically germinating within 5 to 10 days depending on the plant variety chosen.
Roots Collective PH reports that Usbong's pencils are proudly manufactured by local mothers in Milaor, Camarines Sur, creating sustainable employment while producing completely biodegradable writing tools free from harmful chemicals.
These newspaper-based pencils function exactly like regular pencils for sharpening and writing, but offer an innovative second life as mini gardens, demonstrating how Filipino innovation is leading the way in transforming everyday items into environmentally responsible alternatives.
