My Journey of Healing and Environmental Transformation

Introduction:
In January 2019, I found myself in the depths of despair after months of ill health and enduring a toxic, domestic violence relationship. Little did I know that this experience would become the catalyst for a remarkable journey of self-discovery and environmental transformation.

Challenges Faced:
I had always believed that such situations happened to others, never imagining it would happen to me. But it did, and it happened quickly. Within six months of being with my partner, the romance vanished, and my beloved gardening business, which I had nurtured for fifteen years, crumbled under the weight of coercive control and emotional abuse. I lost touch with loved ones, became isolated, and felt like I had lost myself entirely.

Finding Healing in Nature:
During the long months of healing, I discovered the power of long walks and reconnecting with nature. I would carry seeds with me and plant them in small patches, symbolically burying my pain and doubts, and allowing something beautiful to grow in their place. These walks not only helped me heal but also nurtured a deep sense of responsibility towards the environment. I started collecting litter during my walks, driven by a desire to make our surroundings cleaner and more beautiful.

Witnessing the Beauty of Transformation:
Months passed, and the wildflowers I had planted began to bloom, attracting bees and other pollinators. This natural transformation brought me immense joy and furthered my recovery. It was a tangible representation of letting go of trauma and pain and witnessing the beauty that could replace it, benefitting both myself and the world around me.

The Birth of Pulp2pencil:
Moved by my experiences, I founded Pulp2pencil in the summer of 2019. Inspired by a conversation with my young nephew about waste and recycling, I wanted to create something that would turn waste into beauty and inspire others to recycle. I started by making pencils from old books and crayons, using the remaining pages that were too damaged to make seed bombs. The word spread quickly, and soon people were donating books and purchasing the unique pencils. Pencils became a side project as the demand for seed bombs grew, especially during the global pandemic.

The Growing Movement for Eco-Friendly Products:
During this time, I witnessed a surge of interest in eco-friendly products. People were seeking alternatives to what was causing harm to our planet. As the focus on sustainability and handmade items intensified, I found myself reading countless books that were donated to support my small efforts. Together and to date we have saved over 56,000 books from incineration or landfill and created a range of beautiful products in a transparent and sustainable manner.

As you can witness in our video, the ever-increasing digitisation of our world has led to a significant decline in the value and importance of books. Infact hey have become almost worthless and, in some ways, a burden to us. It is quite astounding to realise that there is an endless supply of overlooked waste waiting to be transformed into something that holds value to us. Given the current global focus on sustainability, emissions and achieving net zero, there has never been a better time for us to embark on the journey of creation.

Our Commitment to the Environment:
At Pulp2, we are fully committed to environmental protection. Our products are made with sustainability in mind, using recyclable materials and energy-efficient production methods. We aim to create a new world where habitats for pollinators and wildlife flourish, and waste is transformed into valuable resources.

We strongly believe that engaging in numerous small but impactful planet saving crafts can drive a significant shift in our collective efforts to combat global warming and reduce waste from incineration and landfill. These crafts which can range from upcycling discarded materials to creating sustainable products, hold the power to not only contribute to a more sustainable future but also inspire others to join the movement. By harnessing the potential of these crafts we can make a tangible difference in our fight against climate change and create a more sustainable world for generations to come. 

Giving Back in the Face of the Cost of Living Crisis:
In these challenging times of the cost of living crisis, we understand the difficulties that everyone is facing. With the fear of a deeper recession looming, it is those in need and those on the breadline of society who will be hit the hardest. At Pulp2, we strive to make a difference by taking a unique approach.

When you donate the books you no longer read to us, we not only appreciate your contribution, but we also reward you with store credits. These credits can be used to purchase new books, put towards a gift for someone special, indulge in a personal treat, or even save up for eco essentials. We firmly believe in giving back to the community that supports us.

By donating and supporting us, you become an integral part of our mission. Your contributions will help us develop a new website and online store, making it easier for our communities and partners to access the vital resources they desperately need. Together, we can make a meaningful impact and support those who are most affected by the cost of living crisis.

The Need for Support:
While our journey has been remarkable, we cannot continue this transformative work alone. We need your support to expand our operations, streamline our processes, and make our products more interactive and accessible. With your help, we can reduce costs by investing in renewable energy, increase our recycling capacity, upgrade our website, and provide valuable resources through QR technology. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the environment and support communities in need.

Conclusion:
Join us on this journey of healing, environmental and social transformation. With your support and donations, we can create a brighter future for our planet, one recycled book and seed bomb at a time. Together, we can make a difference and inspire change. Let's build a world where nature and literacy converge, and every action leads to positive transformation.

You can find out more about our work and view our products via our website: www.pulp2.co.uk