Every year, over 100 million pens are discarded in Sri Lanka alone. These pens, made primarily of plastic, contribute significantly to the growing plastic pollution crisis. What’s alarming is that nearly all of them are refillable—yet we continue to throw them away.

This Environment Day, the ZeroPlastic Movement, in collaboration with Star Garments, is proud to launch a bold and impactful mission: the 1 Million Pen Refilling Initiative.

Why Pens?
Pens are small, but their environmental impact is huge. They often go unnoticed in conversations about sustainability. However, their sheer volume and disposability make them a significant contributor to everyday plastic waste.

Through Pen Bin Love (පෙන් බදුන් ආදරය), a campaign initiated by ZeroPlastic, we aim to change mindsets and habits—turning pen disposal into pen recovery.

The Launch Plan
To mark the beginning of this national movement, we are placing Pen Collection Bins in:

12 Star Garments factories

100 schools across Sri Lanka

All government universities

These collection points will serve as hubs to gather used pens, which will then be refilled and reused instead of being discarded.

Our Partners in Change
This initiative wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering support of our partners:

Star Garments – Co-lead partner in launching and scaling the initiative

Institute of Environmental Professionals Sri Lanka (IEPSL) – Advocacy and policy support

15 Universities – Engaging student communities in hands-on sustainability

Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC – Extending the mission into estate communities

Together, we are creating a culture of reuse over refuse—starting with something as simple as a pen.

What We Hope to Achieve
Refill 1 million pens over the next year

Raise national awareness on plastic alternatives and waste reduction

Empower students, workers, and citizens to make sustainable choices

Integrate circular economy thinking into everyday practices

Want to Join the Movement?
Whether you’re a school, university, business, or individual, you can be part of this mission.

🔗 Learn more about Pen Bin Love: 👉 https://www.zeroplastic.lk/pen-bin-love-eliminating-plastic-pollution-from-pens/

📧 Contact us to set up a pen bin in your location: info@zeroplastic.lk

Let’s not just celebrate Environment Day—let’s act on it.

Refill a pen. Refill the planet with hope.