Why We Stock… Pencils Made From CD Cases

Over the last few years, it’s become clear to us that as retailers we need to do whatever we can to promote environmentally and socially responsible practices in our industry.

We’ve definitely seen changes happen around us in terms of the way that some of our artists and suppliers do things. Packaging is one example: these days we’re more likely to be chasing crumpled bits of recycled cardboard around the floor when a new delivery arrives than those horrid polystyrene beads. But now we’re also actively seeking out suppliers who work in an environmentally conscious way.

One such find is VENT For Change, a Bristol-based sustainable stationery company that supports children’s education projects worldwide.

It all started with pencils. In 2014 environmental entrepreneur Evan Lewis bought an ageing, run-down facility making pencils from recycled CD cases. After making improvements over 18 months they were producing an extra one million pencils a year.

In response to a string of devastating natural and man-made disasters effecting children worldwide, Evan wanted to his pencils to help make a difference.

“Pencils are the most iconic educational tool going back centuries and I wanted to do something with them, something inspirational.”

He worked with charities and NGOs across the world to identify how best he could help and it became clear that education was a priority the world over. He had the potential to produce a million spare pencils each year, but really what these charities and projects needed was money.

So he decided to sell his pencils here in the UK and use the proceeds to support existing education projects worldwide. We couldn’t be happier to have his beautiful, recycled stationery on our shelves. We think you’ll love it too!