On the 13th of June, something beautifully simply took place at the Main Library Auditorium of the University of Peradeniya. PenBin Love, a creative sustainability initiative by ZeroPlastic University of Peradeniya, was officially launched, reminding us that even the smallest objects, like an empty pen, can spark meaningful change.

The event brought together a warm and supportive audience, including students, academic and non-academic staff, and special guests who have continuously backed youth-led environmental projects. Among the distinguished guests were Mr. R. Maheswaran-Main Librarian, Dr. Chamini Gunasekara-Deputy Librarian, and Mrs. Ayesha Senarathna. Their presence added strength and encouragement to this initiative, setting a tone of collaboration and care.

At the heart of the project is the PenBin, now placed in the Main Library premises and open to all. Its purpose is clear: collect used and discarded pens, and once the bin is full, ZeroPlastic will clean, refill, and restore them, breathing new life into what many would call waste.

What made the launch even more heartwarming was how quickly the idea was embraced. On the very first day, students, academic staff, and non-academic staff all stepped up and dropped their old pens into the bin. It was more than participation; it was a shared moment of action and awareness.

PenBin Love is more than a recycling project. It’s a call to rethink how we treat everyday items, and how small choices can lead to lasting impact. The bin is now open, the love has begun, and every used pen carries the promise of another story.