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Manila Bulletin devider devider Cebu-based business creates, sells 'plantable' pencils

Cebu-based business creates, sells 'plantable' pencils

Published May 29, 2019 11:15 pm
By MB Online In a bid to help lessen global warming and raise awareness about the environment, a Cebu-based startup developed a pencil that can grow into plants. Eco Hub Cebu, the firm that innovated the plantable pencils, said one can grow plants from it by simply placing the stub on moist soil. They said the product is no different to regular pencils, except that its tail end is a "gelatin capsule" that contains plant seeds instead of an eraser enclosed in a metal case. The capsules of each pencil are preservative-free, non-genetically modified organism (GMO) allergen-free, and gluten-free. The pencil, which is lead-free, is made up of sustainable wood, graphite, clay, and non-GMO seeds. It also comes in variety namely tomato, sunflower, carrot, citronella seeds, and basil, which is their fastest growing plant, germinating between five to ten days after planting. Eco Hub Cebu also offers other sustainable products such as reusable straws and utensils.
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