Eco Zera, sets the trend internationally-they are the first seller of eco pencil Eco Zera, a local manufacturer of HB graphite and 12 line colour pencils is determined to contribute inthe fight against climate change as well as managing waste through their products.Founding Director of Eco Zera, Wada Kealotswe, is already making the waves across the country through her eco-friendly products. “We manufacture HB graphite and 12 line of colour pencils utilising recycled newspapers instead of wood,” she explained.
They currently trade locally and have a footprint in South Africa, the UK and Dubai, and the Gaborone based company plans to reach other markets too, to encourage the use of their eco friendly products. Quizzed on what inspired her to venture into this environment-friendly establishment, she told this publication that she wanted to make a product that will contribute in the fight against climate change, as Botswana is not spared from experiencing climate change effects. “I wanted to get involved in fighting against climate change, as well as managing waste,” shared Kealotse. Like most of the currently flourishing businesses, Eco Zera was also set up just in the middle of Covid-19, in 2019. Kealotswe is content that her choice of work is already paying off, as she emerged the first seller of eco pencil. “The proudest moment in this whole initiative for me was seeing the first eco pencil being sold, made from Botswana by a Motswana,” she said. She reiterated that what sets her apart is the fact that they maketheir pencils from recycled newspapers instead of wood as wooden products encourage cutting down of trees which affects the biodiversity.
Nonetheless, she is happy about the feedback that they receiveand emphasized that it is notable internationally.“The feedback I get is amazing and very encouraging from all walks of life.I recently had a visit by a delagation led by a Minister from the government of Flanders. I have been featured in a number of local and international media houses as well,” she noted. She is thankful to the NGO called SEED which is supported by the government of Flanders, which she said has supported her to reach her goals. “I also work hand in hand with local newspaper companies,” she added. She funded her business from inception using her savings money and later on received a grant to introduce another product. She is actually convinced that her target market is students and people who treasure sustainably made products.
She therefore dreams of reaching further markets to allow them to increase their production and create extra employment. Amongst the challenges she faces it’s the fact that people expect their products to be at a very low price because they use waste. “We also have people who want us to deviate from our sustainable way of making our products, for example some people want the eco pencils to be coated in plastic,” said Kealotswe. She is of the viewthat people should consider venturing into eco friendly projects to help mitigate climatic conditions issues however possible way they can. Eco Zera firmly believes that it is everyone’s responsibility to take part in climate change issues and preserving environmental sustainability.
They currently trade locally and have a footprint in South Africa, the UK and Dubai, and the Gaborone based company plans to reach other markets too, to encourage the use of their eco friendly products. Quizzed on what inspired her to venture into this environment-friendly establishment, she told this publication that she wanted to make a product that will contribute in the fight against climate change, as Botswana is not spared from experiencing climate change effects. “I wanted to get involved in fighting against climate change, as well as managing waste,” shared Kealotse. Like most of the currently flourishing businesses, Eco Zera was also set up just in the middle of Covid-19, in 2019. Kealotswe is content that her choice of work is already paying off, as she emerged the first seller of eco pencil. “The proudest moment in this whole initiative for me was seeing the first eco pencil being sold, made from Botswana by a Motswana,” she said. She reiterated that what sets her apart is the fact that they maketheir pencils from recycled newspapers instead of wood as wooden products encourage cutting down of trees which affects the biodiversity.
Nonetheless, she is happy about the feedback that they receiveand emphasized that it is notable internationally.“The feedback I get is amazing and very encouraging from all walks of life.I recently had a visit by a delagation led by a Minister from the government of Flanders. I have been featured in a number of local and international media houses as well,” she noted. She is thankful to the NGO called SEED which is supported by the government of Flanders, which she said has supported her to reach her goals. “I also work hand in hand with local newspaper companies,” she added. She funded her business from inception using her savings money and later on received a grant to introduce another product. She is actually convinced that her target market is students and people who treasure sustainably made products.
She therefore dreams of reaching further markets to allow them to increase their production and create extra employment. Amongst the challenges she faces it’s the fact that people expect their products to be at a very low price because they use waste. “We also have people who want us to deviate from our sustainable way of making our products, for example some people want the eco pencils to be coated in plastic,” said Kealotswe. She is of the viewthat people should consider venturing into eco friendly projects to help mitigate climatic conditions issues however possible way they can. Eco Zera firmly believes that it is everyone’s responsibility to take part in climate change issues and preserving environmental sustainability.
