Posted by: Colin Hageney

Everywhere you look these days, we’re being bombarded by words like:  green, eco or earth friendly, enviroconscious.  Is going green hype or here to stay?  Green is the new low-fat and this blogger thinks it’s here to stay. 

So what does green actually mean other than the obvious?  Okay yes, it’s a color or to be more precise, it’s an additive primary color.  My 4 year old would tell me it’s a mixture of yellow and blue.  Green is closely related to the Old English verb growan or “to grow”.  Back in the 80’s it was popular to call money “green”.  Green topics are on the covers of most magazines and newspapers around the country, yet everyone struggles with the definition.  The definition that I found and like the most is in Infoworld analyst Ted Sampson’s blog: 

A green product or service is one that delivers comparable or superior performance, utility, or other benefits to an alternative one while utilizing fewer resources, containing fewer toxic materials, and/or boasting a longer lifecycle.

To that end, I would like to introduce two green promotional products that I really like:

It’s an LED “never needs a battery” flashlight and it’s a cell phone recharger.  Simply wind it up for about a minute and the light lasts for roughly 30 minutes.  It easily fits in a glove compartment, purse or on your wrist – it’s readily accessible in an emergency.  Awesome safety award, employee recognition gift or trade show giveaway – add the logo (1-color) and you’re still under $10.

Posted by: Tiffany Yates

So Bullpen got this sample in the mail - and it’s crazy!  It’s actually hanging on my office wall as I type.  One of our manufacturers now makes a frame - yes, just a normal picture frame - that is made out of recycled sunflower hulls!  I kid you not!  It even smells like them! 

The manufacturer calls it “Dakota Burl.”  Apparently that is supposed to be more seductive than “mashed up seeds.” ; )  I like it, though!  The patterning does resemble burled wood.  It’s hanging on my wall due to the sheer novelty. =)   

The same manufacturer has another really cool item - a set of coffeetable coasters made from “biocomposite” - which is nothing more than recycled newspapers! 

They’re elegant and mod - they totally remind me of a San Francisco loft.  

Tiff 

With Earth Day just around the corner, this is the perfect time to invest in some cool green promotional products. There are green promo items made from organic fabrics, recycled materials or bamboo. Eco-friendly products include umbrellas with bamboo handles, wine racks made from bamboo, organic tote bags, recyclable pens, notebooks made from recycled materials. What a great way to put your name in front of your audience while demonstrating your commitment to a safer, cleaner environment.

Seed-Embedded Stationery

This notecard is imprinted with a company’s name and contact information and comes in all shapes and sizes. The paper is embedded with seeds that can be planted to grow wild flowers, vegetables and herbs.

Seed cards are a big hit with women and gardening enthusiasts. When the recipient has read your message, they simply place the card in dirt, water it and wait for buds to grow.

These cards typically range from $2 to $4 a piece and provide your clients and employees with a lasting gift.

Water-Powered Calculators

These calculators are incredibly fun and effective for any audience. They are battery-less and made from recycled plastic. There’s a bullet-like piece that contains water, which powers the calculator. The bullet fits into the top of the calculator and is refilled when the water runs out.

Your company’s name and logo can be printed above the number screen. These usually cost between $10 and $12, but will forever remain on your audience’s desk. Priceless !

Battery-Less Flashlights

Many occasions call for a flashlight - flat tire, electricity outage, tornado! With everything else to remember, who has time for batteries? This battery-less flashlight charges by hand-cranking the arm.

Your name or logo is printed on top. These products can range anywhere from $10 to $30 depending on which features you choose. Some flashlights feature an emergency siren, FM scan radio, cell phone charging capabilities and magnetic wall mounts.

This products is great because it does not have batteries, which contribute dangerous leads and acids into the environment. Another exciting thing about this product is that it appeals to most any audience. Women keep them in their vehicles or purses for emergencies. Men use them to work in dark areas such as under the car or in the attic.

Green products are the new trendy promotional tool. Because so many companies are going green with recyclable office supplies, it’s great that they have more green options available.