Turn Every Used Pencil Into Plant

Each year, more than 2 billion pencils are used worldwide. Imagine if each one of these pencils had the potential to grow into a plant once it was no longer useful for writing. By embedding seeds into pencils, we can take a small but impactful step towards a greener planet. This Instructable will guide you on how to create a pencil that can grow seeds, contributing to reforestation and promoting environmental sustainability. By following these simple steps, you can turn an everyday writing tool into a symbol of hope and renewal for our environment.

OLD PENCIL

COCOPEET OR MOSS(DRIED)

EXPIRED GELETIN CAPSULES

JUTE THREAD (OPTIONAL)

I began by setting up my workspace in Fusion 360 and creating a new design. To start the model, I sketched a basic circle on the XY plane, representing the cross-section of the pencil. I chose a diameter of 7mm, which is a standard size for pencils.

After finalizing the sketch, I used the extrude function to extend this circle into a 175mm long cylinder, forming the main body of the pencil. This length is typical for a pencil and provided a realistic scale for the model.

Next, I focused on creating the holder for the gelatin capsule, which would contain the seeds. I created another sketch on the top face of the pencil. Here, I drew a smaller concentric circle with a diameter of 8mm. I extruded this new circle to a length of 10mm to create the base of the capsule holder.

To house the gelatin capsule, I sketched another circle, this time with a diameter of 6mm, on top of the previously extruded section. I extruded this circle to a length of 5mm, which would securely hold the capsule in place.

To refine the model and give it a more polished appearance, I added chamfers to the edges of the pencil body and the capsule holder. Using the chamfer tool, I selected the edges and applied a chamfer distance of 0.5mm, softening the transitions and making the model look more realistic.

Finally, I saved the design and exported the model as an STL file, suitable for 3D printing or further use in various applications.

Open the capsule, then throw away all the expired medicine. Fill it with dried moss or coco peat, and then add seeds of your choice. I chose cockscomb, but you can use any plant or tree seed.

After putting in the mixture, gently slice off a little bit of wood from the pencil so that the capsule shell can fit. Slide the shell onto the pencil and ensure it is secure by using glue or super glue.

You can use a jute thread or coconut shell thread to secure the shell to the pencil and make it a bit more attractive. Do not use plastic thread because it will not decompose and may prevent the plant from growing.

You can use the pencil like any other regular pencil. However, after using the pencil and it has decreased in size, you can plant the pencil upside down in soil or a pot and water it. The gelatin shell will melt and decompose, exposing the moss and seeds to the soil. The moss will provide vitamins and nutrients to the seeds, and water will germinate the seeds, allowing them to grow into a beautiful plant or tree. I planted the pencil one month before taking this picture.

I use gelatin hard shell capsules because they are biodegradable and decompose easily. When planted in soil and watered, the gelatin shell melts and breaks down quickly, releasing the seeds and allowing them to germinate. This makes them an ideal choice for creating seed-growing pencils, as they ensure the seeds are effectively delivered into the soil without harming the environment.

Reforestation: By embedding seeds into pencils, we provide a practical way for individuals to contribute to reforestation efforts. Each pencil used and planted has the potential to grow into a tree, helping to combat deforestation and restore ecosystems.

Environmental Education: Seed-growing pencils offer an opportunity for environmental education and awareness. By using these pencils, individuals become more conscious of the importance of sustainability and the role they can play in preserving the environment.

Sustainable Practices: The adoption of seed-growing pencils promotes sustainable practices by encouraging the reuse of materials and reducing waste. Instead of discarding used pencils, they are planted to continue their lifecycle as plants, contributing to a circular economy.

Green Spaces: As more seed-growing pencils are planted, they contribute to the creation of green spaces in urban environments. These plants not only beautify surroundings but also provide benefits such as improved air quality and biodiversity.

Community Engagement: Seed-growing pencils can foster community engagement in environmental initiatives. Planting pencils together can become a shared activity that brings people together while also benefitting the environment.