LET’S BAN ONE-WAY NON-REFILLABLE BALLPENS

LET’S BAN ONE-WAY NON-REFILLABLE BALLPENS

One-way non-refillable ballpens, more commonly known as disposable plastic ballpens, are a staple in offices, schools, and homes worldwide. They are convenient, cheap, and easily accessible. But who would bother to care about controlling or banning the sale and use of disposable plastic ballpens?

I do.

But why should I bother about something that seems so small and trivial? Because it is not as insignificant as it appears. It is estimated that Americans alone throw away about 1.6 billion disposable pens each year. If we extend this to a global scale, the number is astronomical. And while I could not find specific data on how many millions of disposable pens Filipinos discard annually, I am certain that much of it ends up in our lakes, rivers, seas, and oceans. These discarded pens contribute to marine pollution, endanger aquatic life, and add to the growing problem of microplastics.

So why am I writing an entire column about this issue? The answer is simple. There is an obvious solution that does not require advanced technology or complex policies—it’s a no-brainer.

All we must do is ban disposable ballpens and mandate the use of refillable ballpens, starting with government agencies and public schools. Is that too much to ask? We are not depriving anyone of the ability to write—refillable ballpens perform the exact same function but without harming the environment.

Believe me, because I have been doing it. For years, I have been buying and using refillable ballpens, and I have survived, all the while knowing that I am contributing less to plastic pollution. Yes, I agree that one disposable ballpen will not matter much, but this problem is no different from the issue of sachet packaging. A single sachet seems harmless, but billions of them wreak havoc on our environment.

While implementing such a ban in the private sector may be challenging, if the government—including all the three branches, independent commissions, and the military—adopts this policy, the impact would already be substantial. Even an Executive Order, which does not require waiting for a legislative act, could significantly reduce plastic waste. Imagine if this directive covered the procurement of ballpens for national government agencies, local government units, and government-owned and controlled corporations.

So, what steps should we take next? Should we petition Congress? Or should we approach the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)?

While no country currently has specific laws banning disposable ballpens, the global movement against single-use plastics is growing. Some nations, like Kenya, Rwanda, and France, have banned plastic bags, straws, and cutlery. The European Union’s Single-Use Plastics Directive encourages reducing single-use plastic items. While pens are not yet targeted, the push for sustainability is gaining momentum, and it is only a matter of time before writing instruments come under scrutiny.

Some countries have introduced Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies, requiring manufacturers to take responsibility for the lifecycle of their products, including their disposal and recycling. Such policies could encourage pen manufacturers to shift towards more sustainable designs.

In the Philippines, the National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC) has already banned “unnecessary” single-use plastics, though disposable pens are not explicitly included. House Bill 9147, which seeks to phase out certain single-use plastic products, could potentially extend to ballpens in the future. Other initiatives, such as the “Pen Drive” in Kerala, India, aim to reduce plastic pen waste by promoting refillable alternatives.

If we start by implementing change in government procurement policies, the shift toward refillable pens can create a ripple effect. As awareness grows, businesses and individuals may also adopt sustainable practices. This small change can contribute to a larger movement toward reducing plastic waste.

Is it time to push for such a reform? The answer lies in our collective willingness to act. After all, it is just a pen—but millions of discarded pens can either pollute our planet or be replaced with a simple, sustainable alternative.

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres
iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com

04-25-2025

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