Objects of Substance - Recycled pens

Cradle to Cradle: recycling at its best, the Grammar pen. Many of the Objects of Substance celebrated in this collection of articles are unique, precious, and valuable. Some are over 100 years old, some hand-written in feathery script on thin paper, some made of gold or silver. However, this piece focuses on small, insignificant items that are usually thrown away. So, what turns discarded, hard plastic bottle tops into objects worthy of honouring? Perhaps we should leave the explanation to the words of students. Stephanie Ku (11B) reflects, “It is so rewarding to know that we are transforming trash to treasure!” The enthusiasm is unmistakable as Amy Lin (11B) remarks, “Precious Plastic is such a fun way to recycle our day-to-day waste that would normally go in the bin!”

Mrs Nisha Swanston, Stephanie Ku (11B), Amy Lin (11B) and Angelica Ng (11B) sorting the bottle lids into colour batches.

The classroom buzzes with focused energy, a group of students gather around a table strewn with colourful plastic lids, their faces alight with that spirit of innovation and sustainability that the School actively champions. Today, they're not just learning about recycling — they're putting it into practice by transforming these would-be discarded plastic materials into something both functional and meaningful: a pen. Angelica Ng (11B) puts it this way: “I can't believe this pen would have gone into landfill”, highlighting the impact of their actions on reducing waste.

The humble but useful recycled pen.

Communication has always been foundational to teaching and learning. Consider the humble pen: not just a tool but a bridge to our past and a promoter of knowledge. It has traced the arc of history from the ancient Egyptians, who used reed pens to inscribe hieroglyphics on clay tablets, to modern students digitally capturing notes. This transition from ancient to modern tools only serves to remind us of an ongoing commitment to the importance of effective communication. Without it, messages can become muddled, losing the clarity of the intended meaning. In classrooms and workplaces alike, the pen helps individuals transmit vital information, enhancing understanding and facilitating clearer communication. By taking a step forward in the advancement of viable material usage, these Grammar students exemplify the School’s ethos of innovation. When selecting a recycling project and being shown all the moulds available from Precious Plastics, the pen emerged as the most appropriate, useful, and practical choice for both staff and students. Crafting a daily-use product from waste materials seemed like an obvious and impactful decision. Through the process of creating new products, such as pens, from previously used materials, significant challenges are presented. The manufacturing process begins with the collection and washing of plastic lids to ensure they are free from any unwanted materials and suitable for extrusion. Students take on the task of washing, sorting, and categorising plastic lids collected from the School community. This preparatory work is essential before they can begin shredding the plastic into small, usable pieces. The sorting and shredding process has often been described by students as mindful and calming. It provides a mental break, allowing them to focus on the task at hand and, momentarily, set aside the pressures of daily life.

The shredder

Beyond the mindfulness, the project creates an unexpected delight: the unexpected appeal of the sorted and shredded bottle tops. Once considered unwanted waste, these plastic lids undergo a transformation akin to turning rough stones into sparkling gems. The students find great satisfaction in this process, not only in the knowledge that they are reducing waste but also in witnessing the transformation of everyday objects into something almost beautiful. This aesthetic adds a layer of gratification to their efforts, making the act of recycling something more than utilitarian.

Colour batches of shredded bottle caps.

Once the tops are shredded, the next process is to engage the extruder. Operating the extruder adds another layer of complexity to the manufacturing process. The mould must be pre-heated along with the machine, setting the stage for the exciting and creative task of selecting the perfect colour combinations. Hand cranking the extruder is a physically demanding task, but one which offers substantial rewards. The product is a uniquely crafted pen casing, ready to be filled and refilled with ink. Each casing is an artisanal creation, distinctively shaped by the hands that made it, underscoring the unique and personal touch of such student projects.

Mrs Nisha Swanston working the extruder.

What makes this element of the syllabus so powerful is that, to continue this initiative, we rely heavily on donations from the entire School community. Therefore, another rewarding aspect of this project is the opportunity our Technologies teachers and students have is to reinforce how crucial recycling is to the way in which we manage waste. The classroom links directly to the wider world and contributions of materials both sustain this initiative and foster a culture of environmental responsibility. Together, the School family makes a significant impact and demonstrates the importance of recycling in our everyday lives.

“We rely heavily on donations from the entire school community.”

As outlined in the Senior Design curriculum, the Cradle-to-Cradle circular economy approach has been embraced by the Technologies teachers, evidenced by this commitment to sustainability. This philosophy shifts away from the traditional 'Cradle to Grave' model by designing products that can be fully reclaimed or re-used, not merely disposed of after their initial life cycle. By focusing on renewable energy and social equity, this method ensures that each product is part of a perpetual cycle, supporting an environmentally and socially responsible framework that resonates with our School's ethos of innovation and social responsibility.

Recycled pens and carabiners.

Principal, Ms Jacinda Euler Welsh, believes: “Design is a subject at the interface of so many fundamentally important learnings in a Girls Grammar education. It provides an avenue for understanding some of the most significant issues of our times, exciting opportunities to make a tangible contribution through creative solutions, and an exciting, empowering experience for our students that shapes how they see themselves in the world and their potential influence.” How neatly does the Precious Plastic initiative at Girls Grammar exemplify this philosophy. Employing a circular design approach, it is a practical and hands-on application of sustainability. This initiative exemplifies how principles of design can underscore the importance of considering the entire lifespan of products, be they pens or carabiners. The possibilities appear endless.

Ms Euler Welsh puts pen to paper.

Perhaps now when you use a pen, that simple implement with which you write, you might consider not only its usefulness but also what happens when the ink runs out? Has this tool that has enabled our learning journey lost its value – or is there an opportunity to extend its usefulness? If you are inspired to own one of these sustainably crafted creations, keep an eye out for announcements on Minerva. Our unique pens will be available for purchase in small batches at the Parents & Friends shop. Be part of this initiative that not only supports environmental sustainability but also brings our community together in the spirit of innovation and responsible stewardship.

Nisha Swanston Technologies teacher

References

Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (n.d.). Circular design: Overview. Retrieved May 2, 2024, from https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/topics/circular-design/overview

Gillespie, C. (2020, October 28). A brief history of the ballpoint pen. BBC Future. Retrieved May 2, 2024, from https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20201028-history-of-the-ballpoint-pen

Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved May 6, 2024, from https://c2ccertified.org/

Angelica Ng, Amy Lin and Stephanie Ku at the shredder.

Shredded plastic top in readiness for the extruder and the end product.