Crayola Responds to Stakeholder Pressure by Turning Markers into Fuel

Aug 19, 2013 11:15 AM ET

Prove Your Purpose

With the summer coming to a close, families are stocking up on supplies for kids headed back to school. But students and teachers alike are beginning to wonder what impact these school supplies have on the world around them, and one classroom chose to speak up.

"I love your markers, but I'd like to tell you it's [sic] polluting. So can I please send some of your markers back? I love your product, but hate pollution," Zachary, age 9.

The above quote represents just one testimonial from the "Crayola, Make Your Mark! Set up a marker recycling program" petition on Change.Org, started by the students of Sun Valley Elementary School in Sun Valley, California. A year later, Crayola has heeded their call, launching the Crayola Colorcycle program with waste-to-fuel producer JBI, Inc. to turn used markers into clean energy.

To read more on Cone's Prove Your Purpose blog, please click here.