I was at an environmental trade show today and was surprised at the number of “non-green” giveaways that were being handed out at the booths. Plastic light up yoyos, imprinted plastic pens and key chains, synthetic tote bags and plastic sports bottles with logos, etc. This gives promotional products the poor stereotype of “trinkets and trash”, instead of them being used as effective trade show or marketing items, which is how they can and should be viewed.

In fact, I have spent the past decade weaning my clients from promotional products that usually end up in a landfill to items that are biodegradable or made from recycled material. You can view about 5,000 green products at my website, www.EcoMarketingSolutions.com in order to get an idea of the types of green-friendly branded and logo items for trade shows that are available.

There are eco-friendly alternatives to nearly every promotional items, including pens, frisbees, yo-yos and water bottles that are produced with an additive that enables them to break down in a landfill. There are tote bags available that are made of natural cotton, canvas or jute fabric—even material that is made from recycled soda bottles and recycled polypropylene. There are stylish bags made from recycled outdoor banners and billboard graphics. There are key chains, jar openers and mouse pads made from recycle tires.

If you are going green, think twice about your entire branded arsenal or portfolio. If your promotional items are not eco-friendly, you are incorrectly positioning your company. If your catalogs and business cards are not made from recycled materials, you are not properly portraying your brand. If your company logo shirts are not made from recycled, organic or other eco-friendly material, you are improperly showcasing your commitment to green.

If you talk the talk, then walk the walk. Immerse yourself in green. Think green. Live green . Act green. Be green.
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Robert Piller, experienced in green marketing campaigns and environmentally-friendly promotional products. His web site includes a comprehensive eco-friendly advertising specialty search, featuring over 250,000 eco promotional items in all price ranges, for any business or organization interested in going green. The site’s handy search tool helps you easily find recyclable, biodegradable, organic or recycled imprinted promotional items in your price range and time frame. View the Go Green website at EcoMarketingSolutions.com and comment on his blog postings at GreenSpotBlog.com.