An Invention That Changes the Way Pencils Are Used
In a world where sustainability is becoming increasingly crucial, the 5th-grade students at the Bordils school in Girona have taken a step forward with their innovative project known as ‘aprollapis’. This ingenious system allows for maximum use of pencils, preventing them from being discarded before they are fully used. The idea is simple yet effective: by inserting a short pencil into the cylinder of a used marker, students can continue to use it until the end.
The positive impact of the ‘aprollapis’ is reflected not only in the classroom but also in the school's finances. According to calculations made by the students themselves, this invention has allowed the school to save approximately 288 pencils per year, which amounts to about 114 euros. “A new pencil measures 16 centimetres, and thanks to the aprolápiz, we make use of 4 that we previously discarded,” explains Guillem Cos, one of the students involved in the project.
The essence of the ‘aprollapis’ aligns with the 3R rule: reduce, reuse, and recycle. In the classrooms of Bordils, this philosophy is taught not only through the practical use of the invention but also through educational activities that address topics such as fast fashion and its negative effects on the environment. “We have learned that each pencil has an ecological cost,” comments Elna Noguer, another participating student.
As the ‘aprollapis’ has gained popularity within their own school, the students have begun to share their invention with other nearby educational centres. They have made bicycle visits to schools like Flaçà to present their creation and are planning to use sports events to further spread their message. “We want other children to know about our invention and use it,” says Unai Alarcón.
Not content with just improving pencil usage, these young innovators are exploring new applications for their system. They have recently adapted the ‘aprollapis’ for use with school chalk. This versatility demonstrates not only their creativity but also their commitment to sustainability.
Tutor Isaac Cirera highlights how this project has helped his students become more conscious consumers. “The goal is for them to start being responsible consumers and take action,” Cirera states. With initiatives like this emerging from the classrooms, it seems clear that the next generation is ready to tackle environmental challenges with ingenuity and determination.
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