Objects of Substance - Recycled pens

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.