Cracking the Innovation: Utilizing Eggshells as an Eco-Friendly Chalk Alter

Proponents: 

Ezra Garingan, Kendra Sachi Acuzar, Bianca Angela Bayang, Rigel Francis Gulapa, and Yuan Quiel Hernandez

Abstract

Eggshells, a common household waste product, are composed predominantly of calcium carbonate, a primary component of commercial chalk. By repurposing eggshells, this research seeks to address two critical issues: reducing environmental waste and providing a sustainable, non-toxic alternative to conventional chalk production, which often involves chemical processes harmful to the environment. The study details the process of converting eggshells into usable chalk. Eggshells were collected, thoroughly cleaned, sterilized, and ground into fine powder. This powder was then mixed with binding agents and natural colorants to create chalk sticks. The resulting product was evaluated for key properties such as texture, durability, writing quality, and ease of handling. Comparative tests were conducted against traditional chalk to assess its effectiveness and usability. Findings indicate that eggshell-based chalk performs comparably to commercial options especially on rough surfaces. With proper tools, eggshell chalks can be a good alternative to commercial chalks demonstrating satisfactory writing quality and structural stability. Additionally, the product's biodegradable and non-toxic nature underscores its eco-friendly benefits. This research highlights the potential of repurposing waste materials into functional, sustainable products, promoting environmental stewardship and waste minimization. Further studies are recommended to optimize the production process and explore scalability. By utilizing eggshells as a chalk alternative, this innovation paves the way for practical, eco-conscious solutions in everyday applications.

Keywords: Eggshell recycling; eco-friendly chalk; sustainable innovation; waste repurposing; biodegradable alternatives