Alert- since Earth Day was just this week, I thought a little Mother Nature lovin’ to be an appropriate focus for today’s post.
Being an entrepreneur who is aware of the earth and its inhabitants, you strive to improve. (I did say strive now, no one expects perfection.)
You’re giving, and your intentions are pure.
A blog entry by Carrie Klassen of Pink Elephant Communications describes these traits in relation to conscious marketing.
She tells a story of an artist who gives the gift of a bookmark (instead of a brochure) to promote herself. This is a kinder, gentler indication that marries with her unique style.
When advertising your business, it’s important to be true to you and your ideals. If those ideals just so happen to include earth friendly initiatives, then rock it.
Help the planet by counting less on fossil fuels and more on sustainable energy.
Help people by offering them working, earth-friendly promotional products and support charities of all kinds by donating money and time.
Klassen says,
“Conscious marketing is about aligning your promotional efforts with your truest goals for your business.”
By including your audience in the conversation, a relationship flourishes. They begin to trust your brand and will use their voices both on and offline, to be your personal walking ambassadors.
Love our planet at the same time by offering them a few environmentally responsible gifts with your company logo or brand to start the communication.
Water
Did you know that water isn’t just life giving? It offers power without the use of (bleck) dirty energy.
Hydroelectric power represents 19 percent of the total electric output in the world, reports the U.S. Geological Survey.
Because it’s so natural and produces minimal pollution, we sometimes don’t even realize we’re using it for energy.
Heck, even your own body uses water for energy. When you’re dehydrated, you probably don’t feel very effective in your day to day. When you drink more, your energy returns, your body works efficiently, and you feel much better.
Oh and FYI- we can thank nature for the free water.
Payback time.
Try a water-powered calculator or desk clock as an exclusive and very unique promotional gift.
Curious how it works?
Water molecules are transformed into energy by acting as a fuel cell, emitting electrons to the internal converter. This provides a steady stream of electrical current. Neat huh?
#Dork Fact: The science of measuring time is called horology.
I know, you really felt lost not knowing that, didn’t you?
Cork
Stripping the bark from a cork oak tree doesn’t kill it, according to TLC.
Once the outer layer of cork grows to harvest, only the bark is extracted, and a new skin grows.
This is why cork is such an ideal material for a promo gift to your peeps.
It’s a natural, recyclable, biodegradable and renewable energy source can be formed into mouse pads, USB drives, dry-erase boards, coasters, and pens.
Heck, my hubby has even installed cork flooring, if you can imagine! (Obviously don’t go giving away cork flooring though… that could be a wee bit cumbersome.)
Recycled Cards
If you aren’t already using recyclable print collateral at all possible stops, you might be wise to begin if you want to be viewed as a respected member of the business community.
This is especially true you’re marketing to green companies and lifestyles.
You can easily get business cards at Printing For Less, for example, and clean up the damaging business practice of using cards and other items that can’t be reused or renewed.
PFL is proud to print responsibly and you can be proud of not further polluting our beautiful planet.
Regardless of where you go, research your printing source to be sure they’re using vegetable-based inks and employ sustainable energy processes.
Light
The world is turning to LED (light-emitting diodes) as its most environmentally friendly light source (except of course the sun).
Unlike compact florescent bulbs, they’re free from mercury and produce less heat. (The things you learn ’round here, huh.)
They use less energy and are more durable than an incandescent. A powerful 13-watt LED bulb equals the power of a 60-watt incandescent and emits an intense light.
These are all great reasons an LED flashlight or some other type of LED outdoor gear would be a great mother nature approved promo item for your next giftpalooza to your clients and potentials.
You could even help keep them safe at night with an LED flashlight key chain. Then you score points as being environmentally friendly, a lovely gift giver, and a concerned citizen of humanity!
That’s called a hat-trick friends.
Over to You
Do you use green practices in your biz or even just your life in general? Ever tried handing out mother nature friendly promo gifts? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment below and pass this post along to someone who likes it… er… green. hehe