Call it "green" or "eco-friendly" but the terms mean to "reuse," "recycle," "regenerate," and "reduce." It's about minimizing the waste we generate as a species and as a society, and about preserving the natural environment as much as possible to ensure that resources are always available.
For those of us who do recall, all garbage was tossed into one receptacle. Having to learn to separate renewable glass, plastic and paper took awhile to get used to. Currently, however, it's natural to do, and even if it isn't, the "glass and plastic" receptacles are there, standing sentinel next to the "normal" garbage, to remind us. One interesting fact: in 2008, according to Statista.com, aluminum recycled from scrap in the U.S. amounted to approximately $9.64 billion. The current rate of all paper products that get recycled is 52%, showing there can be improvement in this area (and if we all recycle only one-tenth of our paper, we can save 25 million trees each year). This shows that people and companies are highly aware of recycling valuable reusable waste.
However, there's still work that needs to be done. According to statisticbrain.com, Americans chuck out 25 million styrofoam coffee cups every year – and it takes about 100 years for a single CFC atom to disintegrate and become harmless. Oh, and the average number of CFC atoms in a single styrofoam coffee cup is one billion. Further, a typical household's waste that can be recycled is 84 percent... so it is safe to assume that opportunities to sell promotional "R" products is vast, and suppliers have more than adequately stepped up to the plate with goods, including apparel, that contain eco-friendly value.
Alisa Buckner of Sportsman Cap & Bag explains, "Eco-friendly is here to stay. It’s something we see and hear about in our daily lives. You look around and you see it everywhere from dog food, paint, garbage services, and in many companies. There’s a benefit to promoting eco-friendly solutions, no matter the size of your company. It can open the door to a whole new customer base while controlling costs and being environmentally aware at the same time."
The availability of hundreds and hundreds of eco-friendly products is demonstrated by Planet Earth Promotions (planetearthpromotions.com), the specialist division of promotional products sales company, Commotion Promotions (Phoenix, AZ). The mind-boggling array of products range from bamboo to corn plastic to Biogreen plastic, and include kitchenware, headwear and garments, writing instruments, drinkware, games, organic foods and beverages, seedcards, desk items such as a solar calculator and much, much more.
Another eco-friendly promotional products sales company is Eco Promotional Products (Vernon Hills, IL). The company selects promotional products to sell to its customers that must be "good for the planet, good for people, good for profit, and good for future generations."
Promotional products and garments are sold to clients for such disparate uses as trade and consumer show appearances, golf outings, fundraisers and marathons, corporate outings, sports teams and leagues, sales kick-offs, incentives, holiday events, reunions, and also weddings and other special events.
Because the number of products and garments that are considered ecologically friendly or sustainable is so vast, the concept of specializing in this sector can be a sound one for long-term market success and increased sales.
"There are many ways a product is considered eco-friendly or green," says Buckner. "Maybe they’re made from recycled materials, a renewable source, or non-toxic materials." Sportsman Cap & Bag carries a number of eco-friendly brands, such as Econscious and Valubag, offering a large assortment of eco-friendly styles in caps and bags with the price points of good, better, and best available for much easier selection by a wide range of clientele. For example, she offers, Econscious has four caps and three bags made of 100% organic cotton canvas – like the Eonscious knit cap (style 7040). Valubag is a cost-effective line with an assortment of bags including 100% bamboo and eco-friendly – reusable, recyclable, and biodegradable solutions. A top seller is the eco-friendly reusable non-woven large shopping bag (style VB0912), available in 10 colors.
"There are endless opportunities for users to use eco-friendly products," Buckner concludes. "They appeal to corporations, political campaigns, schools, concerts, sports – the list goes on and on. "Earth Day is celebrating 45 years on April 22, so now is the time to speak to your accounts or new accounts about eco-friendly products."
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The collapsible Eco KOOZIE® Can Kooler by BIC Graphic is available in unlimited colors with photo-quality full coverage imprints using britePix® technology.
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| The Eco Star Notebook and Pen from Bullet features a notebook with recycled cardboard cover with business card holder and 70 ruled pages, and a recycled pen. |
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Hanes ComfortBlend® EcoSmart® T-shirts are earth-friendly without a premium price. The 5.2-oz., 50/50 cotton/ polyester blend is made with up to 5% recycled polyester from plastic bottles.
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Made from certified 100% recycled 140g non-woven PET, this lunch cooler from Leed's has a zippered main compartment, open front pocket and insulated heat-sealed water-resistant lining. Unique "Trash Talking" graphic helps promote the EcoSmart message.
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Champion® Double Dry Eco® Pullover Hood is one of the most classic and enduring hoodies in the business. The 50/50 cotton-polyester fabric partially made with recycled plastic bottle fibers.
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The Horizon tote from Southern Plus features a Juco body with jute contrasting accents, providing a smoother imprint surface, but still keeps the attractive, natural element of jute. It has a laminated interior for water resistance and durablility.
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Show your head for style with this eco-friendly headband from Kati Sportcap & Bag. Made of 50% polyester (6% recycled)/38% cotton (6% organic)/12% rayon, the fabric is garment washed for softness.
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Say no to disposables. Keep handy at your desk, in your car, with your travel case or bag, this reusable cutlery kit from VisionUSA is full sized to accommodate any meal. Ideal for travel, office or home use.
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