The interactive graphic above illustrates what products are
derived from a barrel of oil and what we're doing to offset them
with renewable alternatives. | Graphic courtesy of EERE.
Magicians and aspiring spies have been using disappearing ink
for eons, but thanks to Energy Department sponsored research we
now can make the pens disappear as well. Traditional pens often
contain a number of compounds that cannot be recycled, and as a
result billions of pens are poured into landfills across the
globe each year. This new line of pens, produced by Paper Mate,
aims to drive those numbers down by utilizing a biodegradable
bioplastic called Mirel instead of traditional plastics, which
are often derived from petroleum. Incorporating Mirel into their
products has allowed Paper Mate to produce a pen that can
withstand the rigors of regular use, offering the heat and
moisture resistance that customers expect from their pens --
biodegrading only when buried in soil or compost. This
innovation not only reduces waste, it al