Recycling makes good sense.
American businesses have been recycling the end-runs of products for years. For most of that time, little attention was given to the environmental benefits of recycling. However, over the last 20 years, attitudes have changed. Many companies have "green" initiatives, and recycling is an integral part of that design, including the use of recycled promotional items.
Pens and Pencils
Denim is now being recycled to create a range of products, including insulation and pencils.
Writing utensils are one category of recycled promotional items with a wide selection. Weisenbach Recycled Products (recycledproducts.com) has pens made of 100 percent U.S. corn plastic for $1.15 each. Corn-based plastic products break down naturally by composting. A mood pencil, also from Weisenbach, made from 30 percent post-consumer recycled newspaper, changes color with heat from your hands. When touched, the red ThermoChromatic Mood Pencil turns to golden yellow; blue turns to white; purple to pink; and green to yellow. An exclusive Weisenbach pencil is made of reclaimed denim fibers. These wood-free pencils sell for 29 cents each, except for the Re-Tire pencils made from recycled tire rubber, which sell for 31 cents each.
Accessories and Apparel
Accessories are one promotional option that are suitable for customers or as employee incentives. Branders (branders.com) offers several recycled items, including Malibu sunglasses, made of recycled SAN material. The sunglasses are available in 13 colors for $1.65 each. A scarf made from 75 percent recycled polyester and 25 percent polyester anti-pill fleece comes in five colors and sells for $5.20. On the higher cost end, a bonded shearling fleece vest has front and back flatlock stitching detail, a Sherpa trim on the upper collar and two outside zippered security pockets. It sells for $22.66.
Health-oriented
Recycled plastic can be used to make containers like pill boxes and first-aid kits.
Mapleleaf Promotions (mapleleafpromotions.com) offers a pocket first-aid kit consisting of a 100 percent recycled, biodegradable plastic hinged box. The box contains six adhesive bandages, five junior bandages, three antiseptic towelettes, a extra large bandage and a first-aid card for $1.60 each.
Kitchen
EcoMarketing Solutions (eco-marketing-solutions.com) has recycled tire jar openers in more than 15 shapes, available with double-sided printing, at a cost as low as 41 cents each. Also from EcoMarketing Solutions are 8-by-4-by-10-inch recycled paper eurotote shopping bags. These bags have a 100 percent twill handle and come in brown, black, jungle green, white, natural kraft and platinum metallic. Packed 25 per carton for $25.55, they also may be imprinted.
Calendars and Planners
The GoinGreen Calendar, from Peak Incentives (peakincentives.com) is printed on recycled paper and contains monthly green living tips. It sells for $3.55 each. Greeline Paper Company has over 60 planners made from recycled paper, ranging in price from $4.99 for a pocket planner to over $30 for the Executive Series Weekly/Monthly Tabbed Planner that is printed with soy ink.
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