Bhubaneswar: A local organisation here is giving new meaning to the old "pen is mightier than the sword" adage in its fight to save the environment.

The group has introduced a first of its kind pens and pencils made from biodegradable materials that, if thrown away after use, will sprout into plants.

The organisation - Solution to Change - engaged women and unemployed youths to prepare the pens and pencils that are made out of discarded newspapers and have a seed placed inside.

The makers said the pens are entirely biodegradable. There is a seed inside, details of which are written on the pens.

"Our team came up with this idea and we have started its execution. Our aim is to sensitise people on saving the environment," said Prasant Jena, who heads the group.

He said they have launched a nationwide campaign - Change India Challenge 2018 - to sensitise people on various social issues such as hunger, environment, sanitation, and conservation of water and road safety.

"The challenge is designed to empower young minds about the causes and consequences of social problems. The theme is sustainable development and the biodegradable pen is a part of the initiative," he said.

Now, they plan to turn schools into laboratories for social change and invite ideas from children on such ideas. The group is hopeful that the biodegradable pens would increase the city's green cover.

The groups plan to distribute these pens and pencils to people for free and then take help from stationery shops to market it for a minimum amount to sensitise people about the motive.

Social worker Alok Kar said it was a unique initiative. "I congratulate them on their initiative and urge people to come up with more such innovative ideas for the environment," said Kar.