Environmentally Friendly Purchases for the Socially Responsible Consumer

The reality of climate change has become an ever-present issue in our lives. We hear about it in the news, in the political discourse and even in popular culture. It’s become clear that to save our planet we must make changes as a society and as individuals—and soon. A recent report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (a group of experts commissioned by the U.N.) highlights the urgency with which we must act, stating that we must reduce global emissions by about 43% before the year 2030 in order to mitigate the most extreme damage to our planet. 

Of course, governments and large corporations bear the greatest portion of this responsibility, but even small businesses and private citizens can make their own impact by adjusting how we shop for, purchase and consume goods. Let’s examine some of the ways in which we can live and operate more sustainably and learn how companies like PCNA can help everyone achieve those goals. 

Social responsibility is the concept that ordinary citizens as well as businesses have an obligation to consider their negative impact on society and to make an effort to minimize that impact in the interest of the greater good. As social responsibility applies to businesses it is often called corporate social responsibility (CSR), and most large companies these days have entire divisions devoted to meeting CSR objectives without sacrificing profit. As the environment remains arguably one of the top pressing issues facing our planet world today, it is no wonder that a pillar of most CSR policies is environmental “green” initiatives. Consider some of the ways in which organizations might promote eco-friendly solutions and sustainability through their environmental social responsibility platforms:

● Recycling, composting and reducing waste

● Installing automatic, motion-sensor lighting, solar panels and other tools to conserve electricity and use renewable energy

● Going paperless whenever possible

● Encouraging carpooling, remote work and other travel solutions that minimize carbon emissions and fuel costs

● Sourcing materials from eco-friendly, fair trade companies 

● Manufacturing products using recycled materials

● Selling products in fully recyclable packaging

Socially and environmentally responsible policies can also offer companies benefits such as major savings on operational costs, positive media attention leading to new customers and better corporate morale and employee retention. 

Environmental social responsibility carries over into the decisions we make as consumers. In fact, a 2015 study by Nielsen revealed that 66% of those surveyed—30,000 people across 60 countries—would be willing to pay higher prices for sustainable brands and eco-friendly products. But how do we measure a company or item in terms of eco-friendliness? Learn more about what makes a product eco-friendly with our Environmental & Social Responsibility 101: Terminology Glossary Flyer.

Companies often tend to throw around terms like “sustainable,” “environmentally friendly” and “green” haphazardly, as there is little regulation over how they are used in advertising. For that reason, it can be difficult to determine when a product is truly eco-conscious and when those types of buzzwords might be misleading. Instead, as we evaluate a product’s environmental impact, it’s important to consider the following factors:

● The materials with which it is produced – Is it made entirely or partially from recycled materials, particularly recycled plastics such as rPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate)? Does it contain materials that are easy to recycle, biodegradable, and/or naturally occurring and plentiful, such as bamboo, cotton/canvas and PLA (polylactic acid) plastic-alternatives? Is it free from toxic or otherwise harmful chemicals?

● The facility at which it was manufactured – Was it produced at a plant that implements environmentally conscious practices such as using renewable energy/solar panels, minimal water and energy consumption and efforts to minimize waste? Was it produced locally, allowing for shorter transport and minimal fuel consumption and emissions?

● Its intended use – Is the product meant to facilitate eco-friendly practices such as reducing waste, avoiding single-use plastics and using less water and energy?

Gradually, acquiring environmentally friendly products to replace those that are less sustainable is a terrific way to begin reducing your impact. Eco-friendly solutions also make excellent corporate and promotional gifts and giveaways. 

Being an eco-conscious consumer isn’t just about the products you buy—it’s also about the ways in which you shop for them. There are many ways to reduce your carbon footprint while still accomplishing your regular errands. Read on for PCNA’s top recommendations for becoming a more socially responsible shopper.

Where you shop can have an enormous effect on your environmental impact. For instance, if you typically travel considerable distances to acquire specialty items, you may be contributing more than your fair share of emissions. In-store shopping allows you the greatest control over the items you purchase—especially in regard to food and other groceries—but if you normally visit a number of stores on a weekly basis to pick up just a few items at each, you may find you can concentrate the majority of your weekly errands at one market and visit other shops more sporadically. Many people also believe they must chase down the best deals and coupons at each store, even when most of the same items are available at their local grocery without a discount. But they don’t realize that after factoring in the transportation costs of visiting multiple stores (gasoline, personal time and energy, etc.) the real savings are negligible if any.

Of course, shopping online for certain common items can be a great way to minimize your own footprint, with a few caveats: First, shopping local is almost always preferable from an environmental standpoint. Second, features like overnight (or shorter) delivery are obviously very convenient and appealing, but they command a tremendous amount of resources beyond their worth. You can be a more eco-friendly online shopper by consolidating your orders into as few shipments as possible (even when it means waiting longer) and doing your best to avoid returns by mail.

Specialty and made-to-order items like gifts with custom logos from PCNA are ideal for online ordering because you can narrow your search to all eco-friendly products and know that your item will be made with sustainable materials, the packaging will be recyclable, and the shipment will be streamlined to minimize environmental impact.

Whether you make your purchases in-store or online, it’s important to be aware of all packaging and waste, and to minimize what ends up in the garbage:

● Compost what you can – Composting is fantastically sustainable. Most food waste and certain food packaging, such as egg cartons, can be composted. Many cities and municipalities across the country provide compost pickup services these days, or you can add compost to soil to use in your own garden.

● Recycle as directed – When packaging says it’s recyclable, it’s important to follow any instructions to ensure that it doesn’t end up in a landfill. For example, most shipping boxes are recyclable, yet not all shipping labels can be recycled. Often in those cases, the box will say to remove the label before recycling. If not done, the item could end up being sorted into waste upon arrival at the recycling facility. 

● Use reusable items for packaging and transport whenever possible – Bring canvas or other tote bags with you when you shop, and always opt for paper over plastic bags. If you are picking up a take-out meal, bring your own reusable utensils and say no thanks to those plastic cutlery packs. Take a reusable water bottle with you and opt for a beverage from a soda fountain over a bottled drink. Finally, check out your store’s bulk aisle for staples like grains, nuts, dried legumes, coffee and even candy—and bring your own storage containers from home so you don’t have to waste a plastic bag.

Hundreds of sustainable gift options. Dozens of forward-thinking retail brands. And the real impact of financial contributions to nonprofits working for a better world.

We're proud to lead the way as your partner for environmentally and socially responsible gift solutions. And now we're taking a big step in strengthening our commitment to the planet, to its people and to you.

Introducing ProudPath™, a new platform that will make it even easier to deliver for your customers' environmental and social responsibility objectives. Click here to learn more.

PCNA offers a diverse range of eco-friendly products sure to help you reach your sustainability objectives as well your creative and gifting goals. Consult the guide below to learn about some of our favorite environmentally conscious solutions. And check out our eco sales kits, flyers, social posts and more for further info about our offerings. 

Through our partnership with 1% For The Planet, one percent of sales from all our EcoSmart® labeled items will be donated to nonprofits dedicated to protecting the planet.

With its top-quality double cotton-cored wick construction and pleasant, beachy aroma, the Seventh Avenue Apothecary Glass Jar Candle in Ocean Mist and Moss is like a vacation in a jar. Made from 100% food-grade soy wax and hand-poured in Tampa, Fl., this 11oz candle burns clean for up to 65 hours. The luxurious scent, featuring notes of golden lilies, coral and musk, will instantly transform your environment into a calm and peaceful oasis. Key features:

● Phthalate-free and lead-free 100% all-natural soy wax

● Crafted using American-grown soybeans and supplies sourced in the U.S.

● Hand-poured

● Burns up to 65 hours

● Glass jar with natural fiber lid

● Fully customizable labeling and branding available

● Immediate deep inventory available; supply chain not affected by COVID-19

The Bamboo MagClick™ Fast Wireless Charging Pad offers sleek, wire-free magnetized charging compatible with all Qi-enabled devices. Made from eco-friendly bamboo, which is both natural and plentiful, this charger supports MagSafe charging at 7.5W for all capable Apple devices, 10W fast charging for Samsung Galaxy Note and other capable devices and standard 5W charging speed for other Qi accessories. Key features:

● Made of sustainable bamboo

● Fast charging up to 10W with use of integrated USB Type-C cable

● MagSafe compatible for Apple iPhone 12/13 series at 7.5W charging speed

● 39-inch USB-A cable included

● Packaged in an eco-friendly FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council)-certified premium gift box

● Fully customizable with etched logos or branding

Imagine carrying an eco-friendly coffee mug comfortably in your pocket. Now, with the Stojo Biggie 16oz Cup you don’t have to guess what that would be like. The collapsible cup, capable of keeping hot liquids hot and cold liquids cold, is made of durable food-grade silicone and polypropylene plastic and totally spill-proof. In an instant, this portable cup snaps open, and it closes just as easily for stowing in your purse, pocket, briefcase or backpack when you’re done.

● Made of food-grade silicone

● 16fl.oz capacity  

● Includes food-grade silicone reusable straw and spill-proof twist-on lid

● Available in five colors: cashmere (natural/gray), denim (dark blue), ink (black), slate (dark gray and white) and steel (dusty blue)

● Custom branding or logo printed on the outer wall of cup

● Immediate deep inventory available; supply chain not affected by COVID-19

We are delighted to welcome the Ekobo Store and Go as one of our most exciting new sustainable products. This 25oz container and lid may seem like typical Tupperware-style storage, but its high-quality eco-friendly materials and thoughtful design set it apart from others like it. Made from Ekobo’s proprietary, FSC®-certified bamboo fiber-based eco-composite material called BIOBU™, the Store and Go is safe to take from the dinner table to the fridge and then to work the next day. For added versatility, its lid doubles as a plate. Key features:

● Made from a composite of bamboo fiber and non-toxic food-grade A5 melamine binder

● Bamboo used is FSC®-certified, meaning it is responsibly sourced and managed. The fibers are collected as sawdust waste from bamboo factories.

● Complies with all food safety standards around the world (FDA, LFGB and REACH)

● Free of BPA, PVC phthalates, lead, cadmium and mercury

● Safe for daily use with both hot and cold food items

● Available in two colors: cloud (light/natural) and smoke (dark gray)

● Fully customizable with branding or logo printed on container exterior

Ekobo: Get to know the newest brand in our eco-friendly family

Made of unbelievably soft, fairtrade certified 100% organic cotton, the tentree Longsleeve Tee takes the basic long-sleeve crewneck t-shirt and elevates it to new heights of comfort. Available in both men’s and women’s styles and inclusive sizing ranging from small to 2XL, these shirts also provide an ideal canvas for whatever branding or messaging you want. Key features:

● 100% Fairtrade organic cotton jersey knit and rib-knit

● Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Gold, meaning its materials break down and can go safely back into the earth, leaving behind no waste

● Available in five colors: white, navy, green, heather gray and black

● Available in sizes S, M, L, XL and 2XL

● Custom decoration/branding/logos available as embroidery or transfer

With sustainability and environmental impact fast becoming an increasing concern for consumers around the globe, it’s no wonder that the number of eco-friendly options out there is rapidly diversifying and reaching higher levels of quality. Without having to sacrifice value or features for sustainability, it’s hard to make an argument against choosing environmentally friendly products when possible. PCNA offers an ever-growing slate of customizable EcoSmart® products that make thoughtful gifts for employees and promotional items customers can feel good about using. 

Discover more sustainable and eco-friendly gift ideas from PCNA, browse our ProudPath™ eco-lookbook here or contact us today to start your order. Our team will be thrilled to assist you! 

 

Sources:

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/04/climate/climate-change-ipcc-un.html 

https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/socialresponsibility.asp

https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/corporate-social-responsibility-environmental-impact

https://www.nielsen.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/04/Global20Sustainability20Report_October202015.pdf