If you want to show your customers that your company is ecologically and environmentally responsible there are many ways that you can do this. One of the ways that may surprise you most is through the use of certain promotional gifts. Even if they are not specifically "green" items you can link certain gifts to preserving the environment quite easily. Here are some guidelines that you may want to follow.

Do the items have a lot of packaging around them?

If the promotional gifts are packaged using a large amount of packing materials they may not seem to be environmentally friendly. Examples of excessive packaging can include products where individual components are individually wrapped instead of being packaged in one main container or items that have a large amount of plastic wrapping around the outside. These items can also be frustrating for your customers to try and open so it may be a good idea to avoid heavily packaged items even if you do not care about seeming to be ecologically responsible.

Do the items contain recycled materials?

Many items that are environmentally responsible will be made with recycled materials. Look for this information in the product description. Items can often use recycled materials in surprising ways. One good example of this is the use of recycled plastic or glass. Paper products may also contain a lot of recycled fibers as well. By showing that you want to reuse materials in the products you choose to promote your company you can put forth the image of being very environmentally responsible as you are preventing harmful materials from entering landfill sites.

Packaging can also contain recycled materials. Paper or cardboard wrapping or packaging materials can often be made using a high percentage of recycled fibers. The use of vegetable based inks in order to print information on your packaging can also mean that the items you choose are more environmentally friendly.

Do the items replace a less ecologically friendly alternative?

If the promotional gifts you are giving can be used in place of a less ecologically friendly alternative they can be great choices to use as promotional gifts. A great example of this can be a reusable water bottle, reusable coffee mug or reusable shopping bags. The best gifts to give are ones that are

convenient to use and can replace items that are used on a daily or frequent basis. That way your customers will feel as though they are helping to preserve the environment by using the items you have given as gifts and will often be inclined to use them on a regular basis.

Every company can benefit from a reputation for being ecologically responsible. Companies that can show they are trying to reduce their carbon footprint are very appealing to potential customers and you may find that by choosing "green" promotional gifts you can end up building a customer base fairly quickly. These gifts work especially well if you are offering anything to do with gardening or the outdoors.