Sustainability March 03, 2023
Add These 6 Sustainability Observances to Your Calendar
Thoughtful branded items can help raise awareness to earth-focused holidays.
It’s no secret that our planet is in dire need of environmental change. Every year, the world makes 2.01 billion tons of solid waste, 44% of which contains plastic. A recent survey by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that half the country’s rivers and streams and one-third of its lakes are too polluted for swimming, fishing and drinking. Forests are being clear cut, lowering oxygen output and eliminating habitats. Many species are in danger of extinction.
Various holidays throughout the year help raise awareness for these urgent issues, giving individuals and businesses a chance to be a part of organized efforts to preserve the earth. While overconsumption would be anathema to such observances, there’s still opportunity to use thoughtful, eco-conscious swag to help promote the holidays and reward those who participate.
March 3/World Wildlife Day
First observed in 2013, World Wildlife Day is the most recent holiday on this list. It was established to protect struggling plant and animal species. On the official website, you can register an event that will be pinned for all viewers to see. Organizations often plan wildlife walks and educational chats in observance of the day.
PITCH: Consider a cute stuffed animal, perhaps tied with a donation to a charity that protects biodiversity. Bonus points if the toy is made from recycled materials.
This stuffed orca (4660) from Douglas Co. (asi/50708) is made from 100% recycled plastic, including the plush, internal stuffing, pellets, labels and hangtags. Its eyes are embroidered rather than made of traditional plastic.
March 22/World Water Day
In 1993, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and several other organizations established the holiday to raise awareness to the lack of access to clean, sanitized water for people around the world. According to the World Health Organization, 829,000 people die every year from consuming contaminated water.
PITCH: High-end reusable water bottles, particularly those with a giveback component, would be an ideal tie-in to this holiday.
The MiiR Climate+ 20-ounce wide-mouth bottle (101411) from Gemline (asi/56070) uses 25% less stainless steel than similar bottles. It contains no new plastic and has 110% of its carbon footprint offset. Plus, MiiR donates at least 1% of revenue to nonprofits that help improve the natural environment.
April 22/Earth Day
Of all environmental holidays, Earth Day is by far the most well-known. Established in 1970 by Sen. Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin, the day is committed to cleaning up natural habitats and adapting to a less wasteful life. The Earth Day website contains a slew of information about planned events, climate literacy, how to end plastic pollution and the importance of tree planting.
PITCH: Businesses hosting Earth Day cleanups can outfit their staff in sustainably made T-shirts, perhaps made of recycled cotton. Encourage clients to leave the year off the shirt design so they can be reused in subsequent years.
This 100% recycled cotton T-shirt (EV4001) from Everywhere Apparel (asi/53059) is designed to be recycled and reincorporated into the supply chain. Each tee includes a QR code to help the end-user recycle the garment at the end of its life.
April 28/Arbor Day
Since 2000, Earth has lost 101 million hectares (around 400,000 miles) of tree coverage. Arbor Day is dedicated to replanting and reforesting – it came about when tree-loving Nebraska resident J. Sterling Morton proposed a day to plant trees. There are also a number of nonprofits, like One Tree Planted, that work with individuals and businesses to reforest the world.
PITCH: Consider promotional products made of natural materials that support tree-planting and reforestation efforts.
This tree spiral journal (SJOURNL1-MM-TE) from Woodchuck USA (asi/98139) includes a mahogany wood cover with the paper insert of your client’s choice. For every product made, Woodchuck has a tree planted, and end-users receive a “tree card” with a unique code to find their tree.
Plastic Free July
Started in 2011, Plastic Free July is an initiative of the Plastic Free Foundation, and is meant to help work toward a world free of plastic waste. During the month of July (and beyond), more than 100 million people take pledges to avoid single-use plastic packaging; eschew straws, cups, bags and other takeaway items; go completely “plastic-free” and more.
PITCH: Help participants meet their goal by offering branded reusable straws or bamboo cutlery.
The To-Go Ware set (TGWPremium) from ChicoBag Company (asi/44811) has everything you need to dine in or take out without using single-use plastic. It includes a fork, spreader, spoon, straw and chopsticks all made from bamboo. A carabiner attached to the recycled PET carrying case doubles as a bottle opener.
Nov. 15/National Recycling Day
The EPA reports that the average American generates about 5 pounds of landfill-bound waste each day. With the increase of plastic use and growth of debris fields – like the Great Pacific Garbage Patch – National Recycling Day aims to increase recycling of plastics, glass, cardboard and other recyclable materials.
Promo Idea: Look for items like a jute tote bag or drinkware made from recycled materials that are practical, useful and act as tangible representations of the value of recycling.
These 12-ounce glasses (Duo 2P-GRN12) from Refresh Glass (asi/81255) are made from rescued wine bottles that are then custom-engraved.
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