By Shivangi Agarwal, Shruti Srivastava, Kunal Singh and Shikha Shah
As sustainability gains attention, plantable products have emerged as an innovative, eco-friendly alternative to reduce waste and grow plants.
These plantable products are implanted with high quality dehydrated plant and vegetable seeds. They are designed to transform regular items such as sheets of paper, pencils, crackers, and packaging material into plants. This practice not only creates a memorable experience for users but also educates them while addressing the need of sustainable practices.
What does the term “Plantable” mean?
Plantable means something that can be put in the soil to grow into plants. The concept of “Plantable” is a significant part of the circularity and safety of the environment as it encourages the growth of plants and reduces waste by giving items a second life as a part of nature.
What are Plantable Products?
Plantable products are exactly what they sound like: things that you can plant in the ground! Imagine having a piece of paper, Indian Flag Badges, visiting cards, or a rakhi (a special bracelet used in the Indian festival Raksha Bandhan) that you can plant in the soil. After some time, it will grow into a beautiful plant! Isn't that amazing?
Why are Plantable Products Important?
Our planet is getting filled with a lot of waste, especially plastic and paper that we throw away every day. Did you know that millions of tons of paper are used and then thrown away within seconds each year? That's a lot of paper! But, with plantable products, we can help reduce waste and grow more plants, which is great for the environment.
The Cool Science Behind Plantable Products
So, how do plantable products work? It's all about embedded seeds! Plantable products are made from handcraftedrecycled paper that has seeds embedded in it. When you plant them in the soil and water them under adequate weather conditions, the seeds start to grow into plants. These seeds can grow into flowers, herbs, or even vegetables!
Fun Fact: Seeds are tiny powerhouses
Seeds are like tiny packages full of energy and nutrients. When you plant them and give them water and sunlight, they sprout into plants. It’s like magic, but it’s really just nature doing its amazing job!
Common examples of Plantable products
In last five years, many individuals and organizations such as Scrapshala, have started exclusively innovating products that are handcrafted and can be planted after use.
Let’s get to know a few of these plantable products:
Discover the Beauty of Plantable Paper
Plantable paper is a sustainable and biodegradable recycled paper embedded with seeds, offering a unique way to combine eco-consciousness with practicality. This innovative product can be used for various applications, such as:
• Eco-friendly greeting cards
• Sustainable branding materials
• Recyclable gift wrapping sheets
• Calendars and diary covers
• Plantable business cards
Once the paper has served its purpose, it can be planted in soil, where it naturally decomposes, allowing the seeds to germinate and grow into plants.
A Green Idea for National Celebrations
Instead of plastic flags and badges for Republic Day or Independence Day, consider using seed paper flags. These eco-friendly flags not only reduce waste but also leave a positive environmental impact by growing into plants once planted.
Plantable Rakhi: A sustainable Raksha bandhan
The festival of Raksha Bandhan is a major Indian festival celebrating the bond between siblings. Traditionally, rakhis (bracelets) were tied on brothers' wrists, symbolizing protection and care. However, these rakhis are often made from non-biodegradable materials that contribute to waste.
This Raksha Bandhan, celebrate with plantable rakhis (eco-friendly bracelets embedded with seeds). After the festival, plant the rakhi in soil and watch it grow into a beautiful plant, symbolizing love and care for the environment.
Opting for plantable rakhis from brands like Scrapshala supports sustainability and local artisans in Varanasi, reducing waste while promoting greenery.
Choose a seed rakhi and make this festive season meaningful and eco-conscious.
Plantable pencils and crayons: Eco-friendly School Supplies
Plantable pencils and crayons are designed to be eco-friendly writing and drawing tools. They have a small medical grade capsule at the end (top) that contains multiple seeds. When the pencil or crayon is too short to use, you can plant it in the soil.
This innovative design turns everyday school supplies into sustainable, fun-to-grow items.
Plantable cards and invites: Eco-friendly Gifting
In today’s digital age, plantable cards and invites bring a unique and personal touch to celebrations. These eco-friendly cards, embedded with seeds, combine sentiment with sustainability.
Each card serves a dual purpose: a heartfelt message and the joy of planting seeds that grow into plants. From wedding invites to greeting cards, plantable paper makes every occasion memorable while promoting greener practices.
Businesses can also replace plastic identity cards with plantable paper cards, adding sustainability to corporate events. Explore creative options like plantable calendars and give your celebrations a green twist! These seed filled paper cards now also can be digitally printed ensuring that seeds don’t get exposed to extreme heat or get damaged.
Check out one such product, plantable calendar by Scrapshala and watch each month end grow into a different plant/vegetable.
Another impactful alternative is replacing Plastic identity cards used in corporate events by plantable paper cards.
Plantable Toys: Playful and Sustainable
Yes, there are also toys that you can plant! Some plantable toys are made of biodegradable materials and contain seeds. For example, you can buy seed bombs or even little car or animal toy that you can play with and then plant in the soil. Over time, it will break down and the seeds inside will grow into plants. These toys are not only fun to play with but also teach you about the environment and how things grow.
Plantable Crackers: Eco-Friendly Festivities
While traditional firecrackers contribute to air pollution and health hazards, plantable crackers offer a sustainable alternative. These seed-embedded crackers look like traditional firecrackers but decompose to grow into plants, turning celebrations into eco-friendly moments.
Plantable crackers are perfect for gifting during festivals like Diwali, Eid, and weddings, providing a unique and green twist to your festive traditions. Celebrate with a Seed Pataka hamper by Scrapshala, and light up lives with kindness and sustainability instead of pollution.
Plantable Christmas ornaments: Sustainable Holidays
Plantable Christmas ornaments are eco-friendly decorations with embedded seeds. Made from biodegradable materials, they can be planted after the holidays to grow flowers, herbs, or trees. This sustainable option reduces waste and adds a green touch to festive traditions.
Want to make your own plantable paper?
Materials required:
• Scrap paper (like old newspapers or notebooks)
• Water
• Small flat seeds (flower, herb, or vegetable seeds)
• A blender
• A screen or strainer
• A sponge
• A towel
Steps to Make Plantable Paper
1. Tear the Paper: Tear the scrap paper into small pieces and soak them in water for a 8-12 hours.
2. Blend the Paper: Blend the soaked paper in a blender until it looks like pulpy dough.
3. Mix in Seeds: Add the seeds to the pulp and mix them in gently, without damaging the seeds.
4. Strain the Pulp: Pour the pulp onto the think mesh screen or strainer to remove excess water.
5. Form the Paper: Spread the pulp evenly on the screen and press it with a sponge to remove extra water.
6. Dry the Paper: Let the paper dry completely on a towel.
Once it’s dry, you have your own plantable paper ready!
Ending with a Challenge
Here’s a challenge for you: Try using at least one plantable product in the next month. Whether it’s a rakhi, business card, or a plantable pencil, see how fun and rewarding it feels to plant something and watch it grow.
Take pictures of your plant’s progress and share them with your friends. Let’s start a green movement together!
Spread the Word!
Don’t keep this awesome information to yourself! Tell your friends, family, and teachers about plantable products. Maybe you can start a project at school to make plantable paper or collaborate with an organization such as Scrapshala for a DIY workshop. The more people know about these products, the bigger impact we can all make together.
Conclusion: The Joy of Plantable Products
Plantable products are a wonderful way to learn about nature, have fun, and take care of the Earth. Whether you’re drawing with a plantable crayon, crafting with plantable paper, or playing with a plantable toy, you’re doing something special. You’re planting the seeds of a greener future.
So, my little friend, next time you see a plantable product, remember the magic it holds. Use it, plant it, and watch it grow. You’ll discover the joy of growing plants and the wonderful world of nature.
Happy planting!
