[Green-Moo]

I'm not sure what sort of wood a pencil is normally made from, but it will not sit in the landfill for years and years as a pen would. As a refillable pencil is normally made of plastic, I think ordinary ones are actually more environmentally sound.

[atula]

Yes...definitely they will be better than normal wooden lead pencils...because yes the plastic will not be thrown but we'll keep using it....

[Green-Moo]

Originally Posted by atula

Yes...definitely they will be better than normal wooden lead pencils...because yes the plastic will not be thrown but we'll keep using it....

I'm sorry Atula, I was perhaps not clear but I meant that to be the opposite.

An ordinary pencil is made of wood. Wood is a sustainable and biodegradable product, so surely it is better to use an ordinary pencil than to create yet another plastic item which although it will be reused many times in it's lifetime, will still end up on landfill eventually?

[atula]

Originally Posted by Green-Moo

I'm sorry Atula, I was perhaps not clear but I meant that to be the opposite.

An ordinary pencil is made of wood. Wood is a sustainable and biodegradable product, so surely it is better to use an ordinary pencil than to create yet another plastic item which although it will be reused many times in it's lifetime, will still end up on landfill eventually?

Ya green moo you are right...but I was looking at the point with a different perspective...like if at all we are using a pencil then a tree is being cut to make it at the first place...therefore wont it be better to use a plastic one that can be used for a longer duration than a wooden pencil....

[EviesEarth]

One reason I encourage my little ones to use crayons. They usually do not get thrown away. I have been looking into getting crayons made of beeswax. I wish they were not so expensive though.

[atula]

that is really good evies....crayons are far better to use than plastic color pens....

[ninikins]

personally i use biros a lot but I know its bad to do that really.

[Green-Moo]

Until Atula brought up the idea, it's something that I hadn't thought about. when I think about it, I am forever throwing out dried up felt tip pens that my boys have left the caps off. I think they'll now be using coloured pencils instead!

[justontime]

I use a refillable ink pen because I like the way it writes, but reading this post has made me think hard about what sort of pens and pencils I buy and I will make some changes in future.

[RFL1986]

I just use the cheapo blue Bic ones but now I'm thinking again about what I should be using. I had never thought much of anything regarding buying pens and the environmental consequences before!