Eco 101: The Scoop on our EcoSmart® Custom Branded Merch Collection

Sustainability is more than a trend – it's a long-term shift in thinking. With EcoSmart®, we've made it easy to find the best sustainable products and make good choices for the planet.

And what makes these promotional products better for the planet? Most often, it's the unique materials and fabrics. Each one has an interesting story about how it became part of a branded umbrella or backpack. Here's a quick primer: 

 

1. Recycled PET

Polyethylene terephthalate, better known by the abbreviation PET, is the most common type of plastic used for water and soft drink bottles, food containers such as peanut butter jars and containers for household cleaners. It's a favorite of the food and beverage industry thanks to its strength, durability and transparency. Unfortunately, these characteristics also mean that it takes about 450 years for a plastic water bottle to decompose (Popular Science). 

It's not all bad news, though. PET happens to be the most recycled plastic in the world. Used PET containers are sorted, cleaned and ground into pellets that are reintroduced to the manufacturing process that produces our EcoSmart backpacks, umbrellas and even journals that can be customized with your company logo.

Want to feel good about what you're wearing? Our eco apparel is made with a blend that includes more than 30% recycled PET, taking plastic waste and turning it into something you can feel good about wearing. But it's not just good for the planet – it's high-quality fabric that feels good and looks good, too.

 

2. Bamboo

Pandas love bamboo and so do we. We use it for everything from custom logo lunch boxes and cutlery to branded photo frames. Aside from being 100% biodegradable, bamboo is durable and highly renewable. Incredibly, it grows several feet in 24 hours and requires 30% less water to grow. Plus, we think it looks pretty classy too!

3. Wheat Straw

Ever wonder: After all those wheat grains are harvested to make your favorite baked goods, what becomes of the rigid stalk that's left over? Believe it or not, it ends up in some of our EcoSmart swag.

When added to the barrel of a promotional pen or a lunch box, wheat straw greatly reduces the amount of plastic in the product. And no need to worry about allergies. Since there is no wheat grain in these products, they are totally gluten-free.

4. Recycled Cotton

According to the Council for Textile Recycling, annual textile waste is estimated to equal 25 billion pounds. Once in landfills, all that material can take hundreds of years to decompose.

 

The Bottom Line

We believe that big change begins with small steps. Choosing eco-friendly products is your way of making a difference.  For every purchase of EcoSmart products, a portion of proceeds is donated to nonprofits dedicated to protecting the planet. For more earth friendly branded merch ideas, contact Red Canoe Promotions of Denver today!

3 Keys To Getting Employees Excited About A Wellness Program

Almost a year into the pandemic, there's renewed focus on personal health and wellness. And from a corporate perspective, the benefits of a healthy workforce are well-established – lower healthcare costs, reduced absenteeism and better productivity, to name a few.

But you can't have an effective corporate wellness program without broad participation. And that's where we can help.

1. Marketing Magic

Create a catchy name for the wellness program, and a logo too. That sort of branding gets people's attention and lets them know the company truly believes in the program.

 

 

2. Cool Giveaways

 Create an incentive to sign up with special giveaways. (Just make sure they reinforce a health and wellness theme – no vending machine vouchers!)

 

 

3. Awesome Prizes

 

Once they're signed up, rewards will help them stick with it and reach their goals. A multi-tiered approach for different levels of achievement will keep even more people involved.

 

 

From budget-priced to signup incentives to achievement awards they'll love, we've got lots of great ideas for corporate wellness programs.  Contact Red Canoe Promotions Denver today to get started with your branded merch today!

On The Front Lines: Thank The Women And Men Working Harder Than Ever

We've all heard a lot about working from home. But for some people, that's simply not an option. Nurses, doctors and other health professionals are on the front lines working harder than ever. Police, EMTs and public safety personnel are doing what they always do – answering the call when we need them.

And there are plenty of other people working otherwise thankless jobs who, well, deserve some thanks, from the maintenance workers keeping our buildings clean to the women and men making sure grocery store shelves are stocked.

If you're looking for ways to show appreciation, we've got some ideas.

 

Wireless Power Banks

Power banks have always made an excellent gift because they're so practical.

Well, wireless power banks are even better. The Fad10,000 mAh Wireless Power Bank combines style and function in a whole new way – trendy fabric exterior, UL listed and enough juice to charge a laptop via a Type-C port.

Oh yeah, it comes in a premium gift box too.

Looking for a more affordable alternative? The Halley5,000 mAh Wireless Power Bank packs plenty of juice at a lower price.

 

Backpacks

With backpacks, style is always a major consideration. The Parkland Kingston has that and more: retail quality, lots of pockets and, like all Parkland bags, fabric made with recycled bottles. (As you know, sustainability's a big deal these days.)

For something at a budget price with a trendy look, the Graphite Deluxe 15" Computer Backpack is a great option, with plenty of pockets for computer cables, power cords, chargers and more for people on the move.

 

Apparel

Remember, it's a thank-you gift. So you want something they'll love wearing out and about, not just for work. Lightweight jackets and half-zip pullovers offer exactly that kind of versatility

The Tamarack Full Zip Jacket combines a sporty, stylish look (check out those color pops!) with the everyday wearability of snag-resistant fabric. (Pro tip: Healthcare professionals love full-zips because they can be worn over scrubs.)

Prefer a pullover? The Dege Knit Half Zip is a standout – but style and comfort are just the start. The Dege fabric is made with more than 30% recycled polyester, taking plastic waste and turning it into something you can feel good about wearing.

 

Bluetooth® Speaker

Want something fun with a little 'wow' factor? The Wells Outdoor Waterproof Bluetooth® Speaker definitely makes a splash. Along with great sound and four hours of playback, you've got a great opportunity for high-impact branding on the front grill.

 

Drinkware

Drinkware has always been a go-to gift – and now more than ever, with so many people making an effort to avoid single-use plastics like bottled water. We love the Vector Leak Proof Copper Vacuum Insulated Tumbler, particularly because of the leak-proof lid with a built-in loop for one-finger carry or hooking to a carabiner. Plus it's got a durable powder-spray coating and is designed to fit most cup holders.

For something with a completely different look, the slender Casanova 22oz Tritan™ Sports Bottle also has a lid conveniently designed for one-finger carry or hooking to a carabiner.

 

Stationery

Didn't think we forgot about stationery, did you? We've got lots of options, depending on who it's for and how much you're looking to spend.

For starters, the FUNCTION Bound Notebook has a smooth, hard cover with 40 sheets of lined paper and 40 sheets of blank. Or take a step up with the Cross® Classic Bound Journal, featuring a faux-leather UltraHyde cover, colored-edge paper, document pockets and a premium gift box. 

Of course, you know we saved the best for last: The Zoom 4,000 mAh Wireless Charging Zippered Padfolio is exactly what it sounds like – a deluxe padfolio with integrated wireless charging to give your phone a boost while you're taking notes.

These ideas are just the tip of the iceberg.  Contact Red Canoe Promotions of Denver today for all the latest branded merch ideas to thank our frontline workers!

How to Build the Perfect Swag Bag for Virtual Events

Red Canoe Promotions is here to help you put together the perfect virtual event swag kit!  Contact us today to get started!