A
few days back, I went to my neighborhood stationery shop to get the refills for
my favorite pen, Cello Gripper. I have been brand loyal to this very product
for more than a decade or so. I usually keep extra refills in stock but when
the last one was used, I decided to get a few more. However, to my surprise, I was told that the company was going to discontinue the refills and now this pen
too, has joined the list of ‘use and throw’ items.
I remember a school friend of mine used small
black ‘use & throw’ plastic pens her aunt got her from London. She found them
‘trendy’ and would dispose one every week or so. She gave me two of them but I
found it quite annoying to throw away the entire plastic body after a single use.
Now, I think, it has really become a fashion, a trend these days.
Check this out!
Percentage of Waste Recycled
Top Countries
|
||
1
|
52%
|
|
2
|
49.7%
|
|
3
|
48%
|
|
4
|
46%
|
|
5
|
40%
|
|
6
|
34%
|
|
7
|
31.5%
|
|
Source: BBC
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I
had read somewhere that the Germans use three separate waste bins for dumping their garbage. Even German kids never forget to segregate their waste before dumping. This is appreciable. We
too can save our planet; we just need to make small efforts at our individual
level in recycling waste and reducing carbon footprints.
These days, this concept seems to have
seeped into relationships as well, that have lost their sacredness and sanctity.
People change partners, make girlfriends, boyfriends and dump each other after ‘use’
so easily as if they are not dealing with real emotions but one of the ‘use & throw’ pens!
Now the pen ‘Gripper’ itself has been discontinued and I am really saddened by this
:(
Images from-
:(
Images from-
- http://www.toonaripost.com/wp-content/themes/Yen/timthumb.php?src=http://www.toonaripost.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Reduce-Reuse-Recycle.jpg&w=580&zc=1
- http://kellysthoughtsonthings.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/reduce_reuse_recycle.gif
I feel use and throw policy as in the case of refills is only to benefit the manufacturers.Instead of selling a refill at fraction of cost they sell the whole pen.The same is the case with any number of other products.Finally the consumers pay more.
ReplyDeleteThe garbage in the case of use and throw is more and without segregation it affects the ecology.A well take point.
Hello KP Sir
DeleteThank you for the nice comment.
Yes, I think the same too. They are not bothered about the plastic waste that would generate. it affects the eco-system in a very negative way. I think, we should bring the change at individual levels by reducing our plastic waste.
Very good subject, Ankta. Yes, everybody should take the responsibility to keep our environment clean/liveable. We should stop using plastic quoted plates and cups in weddings and other functions. We were using steel plates and cups earlier. We can make a long list where we can stop this 'use & throw' attitude. Your example of 'use & throw' attitude in relationships is interesting but very true!
ReplyDeleteHi Sandhya
DeleteThanks a ton! yes, we should focus on reducing our carbon footprints and per head plastic wastage.
Thanks!
Very useful post. Loved reading this. It is not just Germans only who use 3 separate waste bins. It is mandatory here in California also. We have Trash, Recycle, and Yard waste bins,
ReplyDeleteHi SG
DeleteThanks a lot! I am happy you liked the post! is it? it is good then! Indians should learn something from these good steps!
Use and throw is the culture now. Well-written.
ReplyDeleteyes indeed it has. Thanks!
DeleteGermans really like to recycle. There is one bin for paper, one for glass, one for plastics, one for organic stuff and one for the rest! I think it is very important to do that! Great post! Hope you are having a great time!
ReplyDeleteHi Katrin
DeleteI had heard about three bins only but it seems Germans are really fond of recycling!! It is nice thing to do!
:)
hm the "use&throw" culture... well sometimes I feel the same, maybe I'm born @ the wrong time. Might have been good if born around 50s or 60s where relations had values and the fountain pens were ruling the scene. ;)
ReplyDeleteHi Sree
Deleteyes, those times were charming and classic..vintage :)
use and throw is very common now a days. very nice article..
ReplyDeletePlease Visit My News Site, and share your views. thanks
Hi Sachin
DeleteThanks a lot for liking the article!
Sure, I will :)
Hi Ankita,
ReplyDeleteWell written article. Refills are discontinued because of our mistake. most of the people i know throw pen after using it rather than buying a refill. Pen comes in the cost of Rs. 10 and buying another pen for same price is not much for most of us. In our country, people throw their waste on roads.. do you really think ecological balance matters to them.. Its a sad truth that we are making our surrounding a garbage bin..
Hi Pink
DeleteThanks a lot! yes, pple also do not bother so companies have stopped bothering too. We do not think about managing our garbage and that's why, as you very rightly said, our surroundings are turning into garbage bins.
Think about it this way - why not make pens with bamboo or some other hard-wood without any plastic content? It maybe possible. That way, it is possible to satisfy the 'use and throw' cultured generation, as well as not damage the environment.
ReplyDeleteDestination Infinity
Hey Destination,
DeleteI am sorry but I don't agree with the point made by you.. Wooden pens mean more cutting of trees.. We need trees too.. :)
Hi DI
DeleteBamboo pens are not comfortable and cutting tress for manufacturing pens, as Pink Teddy said, is not a good idea.
i never liked cello gripper pens.. their bal-point nib was too sharp..
ReplyDeleteanyway .. like everyone i think they are doing cost cutting by not having to manufacture extra refills... but if they are standardized refill specs.. other low cos-high volume manufacturers could make refills.. while these guys just make pens in different shapes.. ok the idea is too abstract.. but anyway
Ok, ya, tip is a bit sharp and sometimes it tears the paper also. companies focus only on their own profit and never on the environment they damage.
DeleteInteresting and useful post! Well written Ankita! :) I have used Cello Gripper for a long time while at school, then I switched to Cello Maxriter and stayed loyal to cello for many years. Use and throw pens are commonly found here in UK and yes we find many such varieties in India as well, hope people opt for better products which reduce wastage.
ReplyDeleteEven in the UK, it is compulsory to separate the rubbish into three different bins and recycling is widely practised. And sadly, like you mentioned about relationships, yes such a thing is commonly seen in the modern world but realising the importance of adjusting will make life better.
Thank you for sharing this piece of writing, will read and share my opinion on your other latest posts soon!! Take care :)
Hi Sai
DeleteSorry for replying so late, it just slipped from my mind :P
Ya, Cello pens are really awesome! Separating rubbish is a good thing but most important is to minimize the use of plastic, then only we will be able to achieve a good ecology.
Thanks!