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Imagine this: every time you throw away a used pen, it doesn’t contribute to the landfill but instead gives back to nature. Local Samosa connected with Subhajeet Saha, who makes eco-friendly pens—a unique invention that not only helps reduce plastic waste but also gives back to nature. Made from recycled paper and embedded with seeds, this pen is designed to grow into plants once discarded, contributing to the planet in a sustainable and practical way. Let’s dive deeper into this innovative creation and the impact it has on communities and the environment.
What is Eco Friendly Pen?
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Subhajeet, a 24-year-old from Noapara, Kolkata, has turned an ordinary pen into an extraordinary tool for environmental change. His pen is made from recycled art paper, with a refill that contains minimal plastic (only 20%) and is wrapped in colourful paper instead of the usual plastic casing. What makes this pen truly special, however, is that it has seeds embedded within it. When the pen is no longer useful, it can be tossed into the soil, where it will decompose and allow the seeds to germinate into beautiful plants such as coriander, mustard, tomato, or flowers. This concept promotes sustainable living while helping combat plastic pollution.
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Blind hawkers and women from rural areas are at the heart of this initiative. Sibnath Dey, a visually impaired hawker from the Sealdah-Bagnan train section, shares his perspective: “We may not have eyesight, but we have foresight. By selling biodegradable pens, we are contributing to a better planet.” Similarly, Sumal Kha, who has been selling these pens for two years in the Dumdum to Newtown neighbourhood, proudly adds, “This pen might not make me rich, but it helps me support my family while contributing to the planet's future and that’s enough for me.” When customers learn that these pens grow into plants, it brings a smile to their faces and fills them with hope.” This small-scale business initiative also employs 20 women, empowering them financially under the supervision of Subhajeet's mother. Sumal Kha proudly adds, “We are trying to bring something new to the table in this fast-paced world with this eco-friendly pen, and the best part is when it grows into plants like coriander, tomato, or beautiful flowers that will remind you of us as a sweet memory."
A Vision for a Greener Future
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Subhajeet Saha, a science student who had to pause his engineering dreams during the 2020 pandemic, found inspiration in a Kerala-based brand promoting eco-friendly products. Determined to create something impactful, he came up with the idea of an eco-friendly pen with a twist—embedding seeds. His creation is affordable, with each pen priced at just Rs. 5, making it accessible to a wide range of people without breaking the bank. When his business partner withdrew due to the early struggles of the venture, Subhajeet's mother stepped in with the support needed to move forward.
Subhajeet's innovation eventually gained popularity through social media and, most significantly, through the international book fair at the end of 2021, which marked a major turning point for his business. Word-of-mouth publicity led to partnerships with NGOs, including Baranagar Petals and the Blind Boys Academy, which worked with blind and physically challenged individuals.
"Like other hawkers, blind vendors have suffered greatly during the pandemic, with no earnings for months. In my role, I arranged relief efforts, with many caring individuals pitching in to assist those in need. Now that things are returning to normal, these blind hawkers are looking for ways to earn a living. I came across an eco-friendly pen and thought it might be a sustainable product to offer, as it encourages environmentally conscious decisions from clients who want to avoid contributing to plastic waste," said Biswajit Ghosh, the recently retired principal of the Blind Boys' Academy.
To ensure no upfront investment was needed, Subhajeet initially provided the first batch of pens to sellers, asking them to reinvest the profits from their sales into new stock. What started with 150 blind vendors continues to grow, with many more joining in.
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Since launching his company, Rohit Eco-Friendly, in 2021, Subhajeet has seen impressive growth. In April 2024 alone, he sold 15,000 pens, with numbers rising steadily in the following months. These pens are being sold not only in Kolkata but also in districts across West Bengal, as well as in Mumbai and Goa. The positive response to his products has been overwhelming, thanks to a successful promotion strategy that relies heavily on word of mouth and social media platforms. His collaboration with local NGOs and communities has further fueled the demand for these pens, with over 40,000 pens being sold in Kolkata and its suburbs in just one month.
Why Switch to the Eco-Friendly Pen?
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Despite these successes, Subhajeet has faced challenges in convincing people to switch from plastic pens to his eco-friendly alternative. “Sometimes people take advantage of the fact that I am blind, which is hurtful,” says Sumal Kha, one of the blind hawkers. However, he remains hopeful, adding, “I’m determined not only to change my fate but also to contribute a little more to the planet’s future.”
Subhajeet’s eco-friendly pens are a perfect example of how small changes can lead to significant impacts. These biodegradable, affordable pens offer a sustainable way to help the environment. By supporting this initiative, you’re not only making a responsible choice for the planet but also contributing to the livelihoods of blind hawkers and empowering women in rural areas.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the enormity of plastic pollution, but sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective. So, if you’re looking for a way to live more sustainably without breaking the bank, why not make the switch today?