Millions of materials go to waste every day, toxic chemicals are filling our oceans, vehicle and factory emissions are filling the air and natural resources are running out. Whether we as humans care to admit it or not, our presence on earth is changing the environment and climate that we live in. While some “green” and “eco-friendly” products may be a step in the right direction, products that might help the environment in one area could damage it in another.
Eco-friendly is defined as “not environmentally harmful.” Eco-friendly practices consist of being more conscious of using resources and thinking of how products can affect our environment. But how do we know which eco-friendly products are really eco-friendly? How do we ensure that products are making as little environmental impact as possible?
The answer is definitely not black and white. However, being environmentally conscious shows your customers you care about making a lasting impact on our world. Take some key tangible steps and apply this advice to start heading in a sustainable direction.
Educate Yourself
When selecting promotional items for the year, start by doing your own research before purchasing products that could harm the environment. Do some simple digging on the product’s website to see what it’s made out of so you can make an informed decision. Always ask before you buy, and use available resources like chat boxes, email, social media or find the company’s phone number for a quick clarifying call. If it is difficult to track down the details, proceed with caution.
Take the recycled cotton twill tote as an example. It is made from cotton waste-which is recycled cotton-generated from the fabric cutting process. With a little research, we can discover that cotton is biodegradable-a chemical process of dissolving through natural means-so it won’t build up in landfills, which makes the tote a quality eco-friendly product to give to prospects and helping reduce the amount of plastic bags.
Don’t Be Fooled by Vague Claims
Start by reading labels: “natural,” “green,” and “eco” are easy words to slap onto product packaging but they aren’t always regulated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Misrepresentation or omission can mislead the consumer, so look for product certifications and seals of approval to know for certain. Instead of jumping all in based on product packaging that claims it is “all natural,” dig a little deeper for one that is “made with 100% all-natural products.” Test if the company’s claims are true by asking additional clarifying questions:
• Are the products made of 100% organic recycled materials?
• Will they be reused and not added to a landfill?
• Are they biodegradable and compostable?
One great option is the eco spiral notebook and pen with pages made from 100% recycled paper. With colored panels, an elastic pen loop and a retractable pen also made from recycled materials, this product is a wonderful way to keep your office green.
Beware of “Greenwashing”
Since marketing teams are at the ready to put out “trendy” eco-friendly products, don’t be fooled by pretty packaging with a natural look. Plenty of companies go to great lengths to appear “green,” leaving consumers with a risk of being misled. If it is too good to be true, it probably is. Everything from production to packaging needs to be safe for the environment to truly make a difference.
A long-lasting eco-friendly product that comes with a bonus of a biodegradable gift box is the stainless steel straw set with cleaning brush. This reusable straw is built to last with 18/8 food-grade stainless steel that will not corrode, rust, bend or stain and helps eliminate the use of plastic straws that won’t break down and are rarely recycled. With five hundred million straws used each day by those in the United States, it is a simple way to protect our oceans and waterways from small plastic particles that are harmful to plants, animals and people.
Apply these Sustainable Tips
Rest assured that you are not wasting your marketing budget by getting something that can be used daily and has the quality to stay out of the trash. Position your brand as environmentally conscious by applying these tips:
1. Buy in bulk to reduce the need for individual packaging.
2. Purchase durable products instead of disposables for long-lasting use.
3. Consider larger, higher quality promo items over many small ones.
So, are eco-friendly products really eco-friendly? The answer is a little trickier than it should be. It’s not always easy to tell if a product is really eco-friendly by looking at it, and sadly, if it is not properly reused, the benefits are lost. Reduce your carbon footprint by being more conscious of what promotional products you use. Think of the number of plastic bags polluting the oceans, and instead choose reusable grocery bags for your prospects. Consider stainless steel water bottles to replace plastic water bottles and silicone drinking straws to replace plastic straws. Consumers will notice the extra mile you take to protect the planet we live in. If you need help finding real-deal eco-friendly products, start by asking one of our customer care representatives today!
