Organization of environmentally friendly production of "Growing paper" and pencils with plant seeds

There are a number of urgent environmental issues today: from the depletion of natural resources to excessive consumption, which leads to the destruction of the environment. The volumes of paper and paper products are growing. It is used everywhere: from book printing to packaging goods and gift wrapping. The production of paper from wood has negative consequences for the environment. Our project involves the organization of waste-free production of "Growing Paper" and pencils with plant seeds. The use of secondary materials affects the conservation of forest resources - such production does not require cutting down trees. This, in turn, helps to preserve forests and biodiversity. The main product obtained in the production process is hand-made paper, which contains plant seeds. This is not just a product made from secondary materials - it can give life to new plants. Recycled waste paper is used as raw material for production, including our own office waste, defective paper and unused remains, which makes the production process completely waste-free. The seeds used in production are carefully selected according to several parameters: 1. Small size (to fit into a layer of paper) 2. Easy germination in room conditions without special skills (tests are carried out in real conditions) 3. Long-term preservation of germination (from 3 years, so that the product has a long shelf life) Currently, a mix of wildflower seeds is used (marigolds, bellflowers, snapdragons, chamomile, carnations), as well as greens (basil, parsley, lettuce, etc.). You can expand the range by adding other plants with small seeds. The resulting "Growing" paper can be used as a stand-alone product or a basis for advertising and souvenir products: badges, postcards, business cards, notebooks, clothing badges, calendars, packaging. Any pattern can be applied to the paper. Gouache paints are used to color the paper, which are safe for children's health. The second product is a pencil with a capsule with plant seeds on the back. The body of the pencils is also made from completely recycled materials. After use, the pencil can be planted in the ground, provided with the necessary amount of light and water, and a real plant will grow out of it: herbs, flowers or even trees. For example, the red-listed blue spruce, which can live up to 500 years. Scaling up and replicating the project to organize environmentally friendly production of "Growing Paper", as well as the use of secondary materials in production will solve a number of problems at once: 1. Reduce the need for forest resources for the production of paper and other paper products. 2. Help in greening the surrounding area by involving people in the process of growing plants and fostering a love of nature. 3. Increase environmental awareness of the population, including in terms of responsible consumption.