This is another one of those product recommendations that's coming straight from the horse's mouth. The horse, being of course me and the mouth being my desk. That's right, I'll say it proudly: I use an eco-friendly mug every day and I love it. The mug in question is my Natural Plastic Koffee Keg and it showed up in my office after one of our merchandiser's meetings. The first thing that got my attention was it's size. Being an avid coffee drinker, I was intrigued by it's girth. I later learned that it had a 10.5oz capacity which has proven quite useful for my need for caffeine. The only thing that nearly deterred me from using it was the fact that it was made of plastic. Really, in this day and age, I wondered who could possibly even think of making a plastic mug, but then I learned it wasn't as bad as I originally thought.

This mug is actually made of renewable USA produced plastic. To boot, it's biodegradable and environmentally friendly. You can choose any one of 4 great colors (royal blue, green, white or red) and imprint it with your logo. My personal favorite part? It's microwave safe. Honestly, putting plastic in the microwave scares me but putting ceramic in the microwave burns me. This mug never gets too hot after popping it in to reheat the java. It's easy to see why the Natural Plastic Koffee Keg Mug is definitely my product recommendation.

Since it's beginning back in 2008, the Motivators Go Green blog has become what we always hoped it would be; a  community of like minded people dedicated to doing right by the environment. We know that by choosing to implement eco-friendly changes into your lifestyle you are making the conscious effort to do right by the planet. After all, it was Thomas Fuller who stated that "we will never know the worth of water until the well is dry." The news and information that we put out there for the world to see is not simply so that the world can see, but so that the world will change its ways.

And we know, you may be wondering why is a promotional products company so concerned with going green. We know you may be wondering why we're not constantly writing about eco-friendly pens and the newest developments in BPA-free promotional water bottles. The truth of the matter is, we do write about those things on occasion, but there are so many other important environmental topics that need to be addressed that we're glad to share this little green platform with the true eco warriors out there. We're proud to share insights about environmental policy and we're happy to try and provide you with a source for green news. 

But what of the promotional products?

Well, among our many stories and blogs about eco-friendly news and tips, you will see eco-friendly promotional products and it's for this reason. Now, more than ever companies need to take a stand and side with the environment. When a company chooses eco-friendly promotional items, they're making a statement. They're choosing to be green and be proud. They're choosing to buy earth friendly items in bulk, imprint them with their logo and say to their customers and clients, "Yeah, we do support the environment." And we applaud them and stand beside them in their efforts. That's why for every order of eco-friendly promotional products, Motivators will plant a tree through the American Forests Global ReLeaf Fund.

The eco-friendly promotional items offered by Motivators are growing in leaps and bounds and suppliers can't keep up with the demand. Every day we're adding new eco-friendly bags that you can give to people to take shopping with them. We're adding more and more BPA free water bottles because the demand is there.  People all over the country are standing up as individuals to make eco-friendly efforts and choosing eco-friendly promotional products from Motivators will show people that yours is a company that is not going to stand by the wayside while your planet gets "globally warmed." Yours is a company that truly understands the impact that we as individuals and we as a society have on the planet. Yours is a company or an organization that is not going to take this lying down. 

And on behalf of all of us here at Motivators, and on behalf of our ever growing selection of eco-friendly promotional products, we salute you for that.  

I know that my last product recommendation was a photo bookmark, but what can I say? I like photo frames in all shapes and sizes, but I love photo frames if they're eco-friendly. And these promotional cardboard picture frames definitely fall into that category.

When I first saw that we were carrying imprinted recycled cardboard picture frames, I had my doubts. I mean, cardboard picture frames? How sturdy could they be? The answer is very. These promotional cardboard picture frames are put together quite well and as definitely designed to stand up to the test of time. But, the good test of time, not the test of time that diapers in landfills stand up to. These items will showcase your branding and your cherished memories for years to come, and they will look good while doing so. And speaking of looking good, that was my second doubt. After all, how good could a cardboard picture frame look? Brown and boring right? Think again. These imprinted recycled cardboard picture frames were designed with...design in mind. They're avilable in a variety of colors, any of which will bring out your branding just nicely. Personal favorite? The Terra Recycled 4" x 6" Photo Frame.

 

So if you want an eco-friendly promotion that's affordable and that will send a personal message to clients and employees, definitely consider these promotional cardboard picture frames.

One of the most important things to have when traveling is a toiletry bag. It's the best place to keep essentials like shampoo and body wash safe from spilling onto your clothes. You can house all your necessities, from toothopaste to deodorant and be organized while traveling. There's no doubt that a toitry bag is an absolute must. So why not use this knowledge to brand you business in an eco-friendly manner?

The Leeds Eco 100% Recycled Owl Utility Kit is a great item to give to clients and employees. It's personal enough to be considered a gift, but its not too personal to make the wrong impression. It's made of 100% post consumer recycled material so you can take pride in the fact that your giveaway will not be harming the environment. Recipients will most definitely appreciate this well designed item, too. It's large main pocket boasts a mesh pocket and a velcro strap for hanging. For extra organization purposes, it has a front pocket as well as two side pockets for extra storage. Users will be able to easily organize their items without fear of not being able to find them.

 

The best part of this item, after its functionality and eco-friendly nature is its imprint area. With a 4" x 3" imprint area available on its front pocket, your message will be seen clearly and by everyone who sees this bag.

Too often, eco-friendly items get the label of being unattractive. Certain items lack color because the dyes used are not eco-friendly. When your left with drab color options of a seemingly non-descript product the benefits of being eco-friendly don't seem to stand up against the possibility of having your logo on an item that won't attract potential customers. And that's where this next product recommendation comes in.

 

This attractive custom photo bookmark is both eye-catching and eco-friendly. Made completely of recycled material, this bonded leather bookmark comes in 5 attractive colors (black, lime green, pink, red and royal blue) features a slot at the top to add a photo. Recipients will appreciate such a thoughtful item and your logo will be seen by them everytime they use it. It's a great giveaway for trade shows and conferences and it even makes a thoughtful holiday gift. And the best part is that for every order placed for any of our eco-friendly promotional products (including this one) Motivators will plant a tree. It's a simple way of giving back to the environment while you get the logo exposure you need and want.

When you think of electronics today, it can be hard to imagine them as eco-friendly. When they are working, they're hogging energy. When they break, they hog up our land in junkyards and dumps. Luckily, we offer a great selection of promotional eco-friendly electronics that bring you the same quality in a more sustainable way. Just in time for Christmas, the electronics company, thinksound is holding their very own eco-friendly promotion. To popularize their latest set of eco-friendly headphones, the company is having a "12 days of thinksound," promotion.

Through their fan page on Facebook, they will select one person for a free pair of the high tech head phone each day. "Thinksound™ takes their environmental impact as serious as they do their audio products. Their packaging is crafted from recycled materials, with minimal plastic components. They also use PVC-free cables and choose wood from renewable sources. The result is great sound that you can feel good about."

It's important to feel good about every purchase you make. By choosing environmentally friendly products, you'll never have to worry about your negative impact on the environment because there won't be one. While it's difficult to find eco-friendly alternatives to every item, there are many options to browse. For instance choose the custom printed 7 inch bamboo digital photo frame instead of a metal or plastic one. If you cannot find  electronics that are made with eco-friendly components, at least choose the ones that are energy friendly.

Our supply of energy friendly promotional products has gained popularity with increasingly desirable hand-powered items and solar energy products. Thinksound was created with eco-frienliness in mind. This trend will continue as efforts are made, and throughout it all, you can coutn on Motivators for all of your environmentally friendly products.

Today's product of the week is inspired by something that litterally just made me sick. Carolina, in our office purchased lunch at a local establishment that shall remain nameless. She returned with hot chocolate in a take out cup and proclaimed, "Look at the lid on this thing! Isn't that crazy?" Just so you all understand what I'm talking about, here's the video of the lid.

The sheer amount of shock and awe on my face was obvious to all in the room, when I proclaimed, "Are you SERIOUS?" How much extra plastic, how many extra man hours, how much useless waste needs to be created before people will realize that conveniences like this are what is bringing us down? You really need a disposable plastic version of a resealable lid. A one time use item. Really? Think about how many times this item will come in handy when driving? It'll probably serve as an annoyance because people will have to close and re-open every time they want to take a sip.

It's great for keeping beverages hot, right? No. Chances are this extra piece of plastic will do nothing to retain the heat of your beverage.

Well, at least I won't spill on myself when walking! Or you could walk a little bit more carefully and avoid spillage.

There's not many times I'm ever as passionate as I am about an eco-friendly promotional product than I am about the promotional I'm Not A Paper Cup Travel Mug. It's items like this that remind me there's hope. Hope to stop the useless production of needless plastic items like the lid seen above. Considering the fact that nearly 10 years ago, Starbucks was responsible for using 1.9 billion paper cups (with plastic lids) things definitely need to change. And the I'm Not a Paper Cup Travel mug is an excellent start.

This item, which is popular in retail stores can now be imprinted with your logo and message to show everyone that you truly believe in the environment. It's 10oz, so it's perfect for a normal sized cup of coffee and it's made of completely biogradeable plastic. so it won't harm the environment.

Oh and as far as spillage is concerned, it boasts a sliding, spill proof lid too. Coincidence? I think not.

 

The fire is slowly dying

And my dear, we're still good-byeing

And as long as you love me so

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, especially around the holiday time but I'm about to poo poo on the lovely sentiment of this classic holiday carol. Love will not clean your windsheild. It's that simple. It's a beautiful thought and wonderful meaning, but eventually you'll have to stop good bye-ing and get yourself outside to your car. For as long as there is snow, there will snow on your windsheilds. And should have a place to go, unlike the lovely folks in this song, you'll need a clean windsheild to get there. That's why this week's go green blog product of the week is the Promotional Recycled Polar Ice Scraper.

When snow, sleet, hail and ice all come to call, it's the heavy duty polar ice scraper that you will want on your side. Made of 100% recycled plastic, this super strong ice scraper is the perfect tool to have when the weather gets rough. The best feature about this product, is most definitely it's use-ability. Because it's so well made, it will stand up to even the tougest ice and since the handle is easy to grip, you won't have difficulty getting that ice off your cars. Definitely the best bet for the upcoming harsh weather season!

With the holiday season coming up, everyone will be giving and receiving presents. And while some would say that there's no better feeling than unwrapping a gift, that leftover paper and additional packaging does pile up, creating plenty of extra and uneeded garbage. There are companies who now sell recycled wrapping paper and that's a great option, but why not give a gift within a gift?

Choosing custom eco-friendly bags to place your gifts in is a simple, and effective way of giving a gift within a gift. Sure bags are most often used at trade shows, and big company meetings but they can also be given out to make a statement during the holiday season. Just take a look at this case study of how promotional eco-friendly cotton totes worked for an ad agency looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

Over in the Phillipines, TWBA Advertising chose to do just that. Their parent agency, TWBA Worldwide had created a movement called the Carbon Nuetral Challenge, in which they asked their agencies all over the world to think of a way to reduce their carbon footprint. Taking into account their extensive design skills and the power of recycled promotional products, they created these custom eco-friendly cotton tote bags to carry the holiday gifts that they would be giving to clients and staff members. Take a look at some of the fun designs:

 

 

These three bags are just a sampling of some of the fun custom designs that TWBA came up with while seeking to reduce their carbon footprint. Make the smart decision this holidat season and choose promotional eco-friendly cotton totes instead of wrapping paper. Not only will you be reducing your carbon footprint, but your logo will stick around much longer than it would on a gift tag.

Tis the season to pack on the pounds. With our Thanksgiving potluck looming just days away, I couldn't help but recommend something food related for this week's product recommendation. And that's why I chose the some of our best eco-friendly kitchen items. These biodegradable cookie cutters are great giveaways that can be used for school fundraisers. They can be imprinted with company information and handed out at tradeshows. They can even be re-sold in stores as part of a marketing plan or for charity. Those are just a few of their marketing uses, but why biodegradable cookie cutters? They're so much fun!

You can give out Promotional Christmas Tree Cookie Cutter to people looking to get in the holiday spirit.

Teachers would be thrilled to receive the Promotional Apple Cookie Cutter from their administrations.

You can sell Promotional Heart Cookie Cutters as a way of fundraising for the American Heart Society or on as a Valentine's Day.

There are even more options to choose from, but I'm fairly certain that being biodegradable never tasted so good!