Making Plantable Stationery
Discover the various types of plantable stationery and the process of making them by Evolve Foundation in the villages of Uttarakhand
Watering the Evolve pencil (2016-07-30)Evolve Foundation
The foundation came up with plantable pencils as their first product. The pencils are embedded with seeds that can grow a plant, after they cannot be used as a pencil anymore.
Plantable pencils with coriander seeds (2016-07-30)Evolve Foundation
Sprouting pencils
A capsule filled with different seeds is attached to the end of every pencil. After the pencil is finished, the end with the seeds, can be put into a pot of soil, and watered. After a short while a plant will start to sprout.
Process of attaching seeds in the plantable pencilsEvolve Foundation
The foundation works with the village women who help in the production of the pencils. Here's a time-lapse showing how they fill the seed capsules in the plantable pencils one by one.
Indigenous seed used by Evolve (2016-07-30)Evolve Foundation
Material used for making the pencils
All the resources used for making the pencil are biodegradable or safe. It does not leave any carbon footprint during the process or after use. A carbon footprint is the total greenhouse gas emissions caused by an individual or a product.
Indigenous seeds locally available like green chilly and tomato are used for the pencils that are purchased from the village farmers.
A wooden roller print is used for printing in the packaging of the products.
The body of the pencils is made with waste wood or handmade paper. 'Evolve' and the 'seed used' is written using pyrography engraving on each pencil.
Pyrography engraving by EvolveEvolve Foundation
Pyrography engraving is used for any print on plantable pencils. Here's a little video showing the printing process for an ordered batch.
Plantable pencil colors (2019-01-20)Evolve Foundation
Plantable pencil colours are a unique and interesting product for kids to explore their creativity while also learning about the importance of plants and the environment. Each pencil colour is embedded with seeds of different plants including daisy, marigold, mustard and coriander.
Process of making plantable pencils (2017-01-29)Evolve Foundation
The pencils are made by families in different villages. Each family member sits together to make the products for the organisation.
Everyone can get involved.
Plantable pensEvolve Foundation
The plantable pencil is a great replacement for a usual plastic pen or mass produced pencil, as it is made with recycled material that is biodegradable.
Neem pensEvolve Foundation
Tree pens
Neem pens are made from the twig of neem tree. They are 100% eco-friendly and have a unique, natural appearance.
Tulsi seed paper (2019-07-08)Evolve Foundation
Paper
The foundation also produces handmade paper embedded with seeds, petals and leaves. Here's a close-up image of the paper in which real leaves are imprinted that create a beautiful texture.
Plantable notebooksEvolve Foundation
Appealing notes
The plantable seed paper is used to make notebook covers. Little illustrations are printed on the front to make the notebook more appealing.
Plantable gift tags (2019-07-08)Evolve Foundation
Not left hanging
The plantable gift, hang and product tags are also made with seed paper that can grow a plant instead of being thrown away after use.
Invitation to grow
Seed paper is used for making a variety of other products like invitation cards, calendars and greeting cards.
These products have a short life span and are thrown away after fulfilling their purpose. But not with Evolve Foundation products, as after use, they give a plant in return.
Process of how to plant the paper (2019-07-08)Evolve Foundation
How to...
At the back of every plantable notebook or pack of paper, there are instructions on how to plant the paper with small illustrations, making it easy for anyone to follow.
Plantable seed rakhiEvolve Foundation
Rakhi
Rakhi is a sacred thread or talisman that sisters tie around their brothers' wrists during the Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan.
Plantable Rakhi is made by the foundation for celebrating the festival at home. These can be grown into plants at home after the festival is over.
Process of making plantable rakhisEvolve Foundation
These plantable rakhis are handmade by the villagers with seed paper or craft paper and seeds are glued as decoration. The foundation only uses indigenous or organic seeds for its plantable stationery purchased straight from the village farms.
Organic seeds (2016-07-30)Evolve Foundation
Locally sourced
Traditionally preserved indigenous seeds are a better choice as they are hardy, pest-resistant, and adept at handling the geographic and climatic conditions of their native environment.
Seed ballsEvolve Foundation
Plant bombs
Organic Seed Bombs are made by mixing seeds with cow dung or organic compost and mud. This technique is perfect to grow vegetation in hard to reach places.
Process of making seed ballsEvolve Foundation
Pulp
The people of the village make the pulp from egg crates and other waste paper for the seed bombs.
Seed bombs (2018-08-17)Evolve Foundation
Fun for everyone
Seed bombs are fun for environmentally minded people, kids and older people who love gardening but have mobility issues. All you do is throw the seed bomb wherever you want a plant to grow.
Process of seedpaper makingEvolve Foundation
The workers here are removing the cloth placed between the seed paper. This cloth is used to remove excess moisture. Recently made paper is hanging at the back for drying purposes.
Promoting elections through plantable batches and bands. (2019-01-11)Evolve Foundation
In 2018, Evolve foundation made plantable badges and bands for the Madhya Pradesh Election Commission to promote voting. Made with seed paper they could be used to grow a plant after the election.
Badge of honour
Plantable badges are a great way to promote sustainability and the environment. It gives a positive message and shows care for the environment and natural resources.
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