Industry Deep Dive: Eco-Friendly
Eco-conscious seems like a bit of a buzzword these days. But it’s far from it. Customers are demanding that the businesses they buy from are environmentally and socially conscious, they want to know that the businesses that they interact with are doing what they can to reduce their footprint. In this guide we’ll go over why your customers care (with the numbers to back it up!), what all of those eco-definitions mean, and how you can make your business eco-friendlier.
Eco-Terms Eco-design When something has been eco-designed, it means that special attention has been paid to every step of its design – from conception, drafting, manufacturing, and how it will impact the environment through its entire life-cycle after its production. Everything is considered: shipping from the manufacturer to the warehouse, then to the store, how a consumer may use it, and how it may be disposed of after the consumer is done with it. Eco-friendly Mirriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines eco-friendly as literally meaning not harmful to the environment. Industrial Waste As we become more aware of the pollution problem we have on our planet, more consumers are pushing companies to disclose their waste disposal processes and update them to be more environmentally friendly. Sustainable Resources Did you know that bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth? It’s what makes it the perfect choice as a sustainable resource. Sustainable resources, like bamboo, are resources that can be sustained for a long period of time without drastic depletion of natural resources. Other sustainable resources include things like wheat straw, cork, hemp, recycled plastics (rPETs), and plantbased plastics (PLA). Biodegradable If something is biodegradable, that means that it can be broken down and decay through living organisms like insects, fungi, mold, and more. Gross! (But in a good way.) Before we get started, it’s important to know a little bit about some of the things we’ll be talking about! So, we’ve compiled a glossary of common terms to help you get a little bit more acquainted.
Compostable Did you know that there is a difference between biodegradable and compostable? Yeah! While basically the same thing, compostable takes it further by adding nutrients to the soil around it. That’s why most gardeners have a composting pile; they add food scraps, garden clippings, and more to their piles to make their soil more nutrientdense for their plants. Also, compostable items will break down a lot faster than biodegradable ones. Recycling & Post-consumer Who here recycles? Recycling means giving your used disposable items such as paper products, glassware, metals, and certain plastics to processing plants to turn back into usable materials and out of landfills or oceans. Some examples of things made by recycled materials are pens, tote bags, reusable water bottles, and more. Luckily, most things these days can be recycled, you just have to look at the bottom of the container or box. So, if your product says it’s made from recycled materials or post-consumer waste (usually with a percentage) you know your product was made from materials that were formerly something else! Ethical When shoppers are searching for an ethical company, they’re looking for one that does not harm the environment, animals, or the humans that either produced those products or live in the communities affected by them. Consumers have been putting more pressure on apparel companies to become more ethical over the last several decades by providing safe work environments, livable wages, and more. You can learn more about ethics and apparel on our blog here. Vegan & Cruelty-free You’ll find that many makeup and personal care products are either labeled cruelty-free, vegan, or sometimes both. If it’s labeled vegan, it means that no animal products were used in the production of the product. If it’s cruelty-free, it means that no animals were tested on during the development of the product. Reef Safe When you see a product that advertises it’s reef safe, that means it’s a product – most likely a sunscreen – that does not contain the chemicals oxybenzone or octinoxate. Which, are the two chemicals found in traditional sunscreens that studies have found can cause sun bleaching of reefs! Using things like UV protective clothing or mineral-based sunscreens can help protect our oceans! Carbon Neutral A company can become carbon neutral by canceling out the same amount of carbon dioxide that it emits to make their emissions net-zero. Companies can do this by investing in renewable energy like solar power and other renewable energy sources.
MiiR® Vacuum Insulated Travel Tumbler Item# 100276-104 SAGE# 56940 Modern Sprout® One For One Tree Kits Item# 100714-328 SAGE# 56940 Environmental Products Recycled 5oz Cotton Twill Grocery Tote Item# SM-5779 SAGE# 52344 Wheat Piggy Bank Item# PIGW SAGE# 52510
Pinnacle Express Bamboo Lapel Pin Item# 46-BB SAGE# 53139 Presto Eco: Eco-friendly Pocket Sized Speaker Item# 4204 SAGE# 69081 Reagan Eco-Sustainable Polarized Sunglasses Item# BP19596 SAGE# 53178 Natoor - Bamboo Mug Item# BB90 SAGE# 50498 Cutter & Buck Adapt Eco Knit Stretch Recycled Mens Quarter Zip Pullover Item# MCK01143 SAGE# 65054
Eco-Stats We lose about 10 million hectares of forest every year. As of June 2024, 97% of corals are dead in the Northern Great Barrier Reef. In 2020 the WWF reported that the population sizes of mammals, fish, birds, reptiles, and amphibians have declined an average of 68% between 1970 & 2016. source Earth.org source Earth.org source WWF.org 66% of Gen Z respondents purchasing decisions are driven by sustainability. source Statista.org Globally, 44% of consumers said they were more likely to buy from a brand with a clear commitment to sustainability in 2021. source Statista.org In 2022, the majority of U.S. consumers across each generation expected retailers and brands to become more sustainable in the future. At just under 80%, millennials were the most optimistic generation on the matter. source Statista.org Of consumers in the U.S., 80% of Millennial respondents said sustainability was a driving factor behind their purchasing decisions. source Statista.org Globally, 55% said they are more aware of greenwashing than they were in 2023. source businesswire.com
A Global Voices survey from ESW, which ranked each generation’s sustainability sentiment based on their purchasing habits and how influenced they are by sustainable choices, revealed that younger generations tend to be more concerned with sustainability than older ones. Sustainability by Generation 61 60 53 49 Gen Z Millennials Gen X Baby Boomers Impact of Brand Authenticity on Sustainability 63% Globally 63% of shoppers said that they value brand authenticity and want brands to be truthful and transparent about company environmental credentials. 50% Shoppers that value brand authenticity are 50% more likely to be environmentally attuned shoppers. 27% 27% of consumers said they considered a brand’s environmental transparency record when making a purchase. source businesswire.com source businesswire.com Score
Impact Statement To put it plainly: the earth is our home. It is beautiful, diverse, horrifying. There is no other planet like it in the solar system! No other place can you see 20 million Mexican free-tailed bats take their nightly flight to eat those pesky mosquitos. Nor can you witness the awesome power of the blue whale - the largest animal to ever live! The future of our planet relies on Millennials and Gen Z, and they know it. They are now the ones that hold the decision-making power, and they are using that power to make purchases based on social and environmental causes. In fact, 91% said that they choose to do business with companies who are actively eco-friendly (source: Ecovadis) and taking active steps to become carbon-neutral or be completely emissions free. Millennials and Gen Z are also constantly connected - they are the generations who grew up with the internet and social media. They are extremely aware of a brand’s image and the reputation that brand holds. A brand who takes steps to limit their carbon footprint by installing solar panels, using electric equipment in their warehouse, and using other energy saving resources is a brand that automatically has a step up over their competitors. Their image is already far more positive, and there is an automatic assumption that they hold a positive reputation among their other customers and the more likely they are to recommend your business to others. However, there is a certain pitfall we must be weary when you’re looking to source sustainable products for your customers or implement sustainability practices into your own business. Let’s talk about greenwashing. Why You Should Care “The truth is: the natural world is changing. And we are totally dependent on that world. It provides our food, water, and air. It is the most precious thing we have, and we need to defend it.” - Sir David Attenborough
Greenwashing The definition of greenwashing is pretty simple: it’s a deceptive practice that’s used to mislead the public into believing that a company is doing more to protect the environment than it is. It’s a way to attract customers who are concerned about the environment, without actually doing anything. According to the UN, there are several ways that greenwashing can appear. Some tactics may appear as: What is Greenwashing, and How to Avoid It Claiming to be on track to reduce a company’s polluting emissions to net zero when no credible plan is actually in place. Being purposely vague or non-specific about a company’s operations or materials used. Applying intentionally misleading labels such as “green” or “eco-friendly,” which do not have standard definitions and can be easily misinterpreted. Implying that a minor improvement has a major impact or promoting a product that meets the minimum regulatory requirements as if it is significantly better than the standard. Emphasizing a single environmental attribute while ignoring other impacts. Claiming to avoid illegal or non-standard practices that are irrelevant to a product. Communicating the sustainability attributes of a product in isolation of brand activities (and vice versa) – e.g. a garment made from recycled materials that is produced in a high-emitting factory that pollutes the air and nearby waterways. source UN.org
So, what can you do to ensure that you are sourcing truly sustainable products for your customers and avoiding greenwashed items? Verify Certifications Look for credible, third-party certifications like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), or Fair Trade to confirm the products meet recognized sustainability standards. Research Supplier Practices Investigate suppliers’ environmental and ethical practices, including their manufacturing processes, material sourcing, and overall transparency regarding sustainability. Ask for Detailed Documentation Request specific documentation on sustainability claims, such as material sourcing, energy usage, and waste management, to ensure the products are truly eco-friendly. Support Local & Ethical Production Prioritize local suppliers or manufacturers with a proven record of ethical and sustainable practices, reducing carbon footprints and ensuring labor rights compliance. Evaluate Product Lifecycle Consider the entire lifecycle of a product— from raw materials to end-of-life disposal. Products that are biodegradable, recyclable, or made from post-consumer materials are generally more sustainable. Stay Informed Continuously educate themselves on emerging trends and updates in sustainable practices to avoid outdated claims or new forms of greenwashing.
Carbon Neutral Products GROSCHE MILANO STONE Stovetop Espresso, Coffee Maker, Moka Pot Item# GR 468/469 SAGE# 53026 Nomadix Festival Blanket Item# FT-OTYN-101 SAGE# 52792 Bamboo 10W Wireless Charging Base with Dry Erase Board Item# 32504 SAGE# 57550 Ethica Unisex Pom Pom Toque Beanie Item# 100018U SAGE# 66929
Ethica Unisex Windbreaker Hooded Jacket Item# 100114U SAGE# 66929 Soundview Speaker Item# SONDV SAGE# 52998 AeroTunes Item# AROTN SAGE# 52998 Acuara Bottle Item# ACUAW SAGE# 52998 Carbon Black Neutral Pen Item# GLICJ020 SAGE# 52368 GROSCHE COPENHAGEN Tea and Fruit Infuser Glass Water Bottle with Sleeve Item# GR 388 SAGE# 53026
If you’re looking to make your business more sustainable, there are several impactful steps you can take: Partner with EcoVadis One of the most effective ways is to work with EcoVadis, an organization that evaluates your company’s sustainability practices. They provide tailored recommendations to help you improve, and you can earn badges and medals to showcase your commitment to environmental responsibility, helping you avoid greenwashing. Pursue B-Corp Certification Another powerful step is becoming B-Corp Certified. This certification requires meeting specific standards that vary based on your company’s size. It demonstrates your commitment to social and environmental performance. You can find detailed information about the certification process here. Invest in Renewable Energy Consider investing in renewable energy sources, such as using solar power for your warehouses and offices. You can also partner with local and national organizations to offset your carbon emissions through initiatives like tree planting, forest sustainability, or ocean cleanup efforts. Source Sustainable Products Choose products (for your business and your customers) made from renewable materials like bamboo or wheat straw, and work with suppliers who are carbonneutral or EcoVadis-certified to further enhance your sustainability efforts. Engage with the EPA Explore what the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is doing in your region. The EPA’s Environmental Justice Program focuses on protecting vulnerable communities and promoting environmental sustainability. You can learn more about regional initiatives and get involved here. Leverage PPAI Resources Don’t forget about PPAI (Promotional Products Association International). They’re dedicated to driving sustainability in the promotional products industry. PPAI also hosts an annual Product Responsibility Summit, where industry experts discuss sustainability and compliance regulations. You can find more information here. How Can You Become More Eco-Friendly? Ways to Help
Did you know that with your SAGE Total Access subscription, you can search for products that are eco-friendly and support a specific cause, or suppliers that are carbon-neutral? You can even search for both of them at the same time! Here’s how: Step 1: First, log into your SAGE platform and navigate to the product search area. Next, you’ll want to enter the relevant keywords and category of the product you’re looking for. Step 2: Now, navigate to the social good drop-down. Here, you’ll see a variety of social good programs that you can select. When using this criterion in your search parameters, any product that shows up in your search results pledges to support your chosen cause in some way. Step 3: If you’d like to search from a supplier that is either carbon-neutral or EcoVadis certified, head down to the supplier criteria section and select your preferred certification from the ESG drop-down. You can even filter down your search further or start with a certain filter by using the “Other Filter Options” box. This box has a ton of options to filter your search, including eco-friendly and recyclable options. And there you have it! Your search results will now return products with your preferred social good program participation and/or ESG certifications. How Can SAGE Help? With SAGE, you can create custom catalogs, email campaigns, and company stores to help your customers become more sustainable and shop for products that align with their environmental goals. Using SAGE Print Studio, Email Campaigns & Starter Stores Print Studio Catalogs Did you know that you don’t have to print out a single catalog for them to make a big impact? Get started with our Eco-Friendly catalog, which, don’t worry, is end-buyer friendly. Or you can even make your own to fit your and your customers’ specific needs. And to make it EXTRA eco-friendly, they’re completely digital - with just a click of their mouse or a tap on their phones they can open a virtual catalog, even flipping the pages themselves just like a real paper copy without the environmental impact. SAGE Email Campaigns SAGE Email Campaigns are another great way to get eco-friendly products in front of your customers. Just like Print Studio Catalogs, you can tailor these to suit your needs by either building your own email from scratch, or you can use one of our templates and just plug in the information. SAGE Company Stores Do you have a frequent flyer customer? One that’s regularly ordering from you? Then maybe a Company Store is the answer for you! Not only does it make ordering and order tracking a breeze for both you and your customers, but you can also choose products that will help them further their goals of using sustainable products, shopping from suppliers who are B-Corp or Ecovadis certified, or they’re carbon neutral, and other social good programs.
Cupanion Tote Bag Item# BA02 SAGE# 52430 Washable Tear Resistant Paper Backpack Sling Bag Item# BP430 SAGE# 50498 Water Products Fill It Forward Bottle Tag Item# TA01 SAGE# 52430 Cupanion Bottle Item# DR01 SAGE# 52430
16 Oz. Welly® Copper Vacuum Tumbler w/GB Item# 1629-09 SAGE# 52344 Vansport Women’s Trek Hoodie Item# 8063 SAGE# 54200 Polar Camel 32 Oz. Water Bottle Item# DW1001 SAGE# 69207 Toadfish Non-Tipping Slim Can Cooler Item# TF12SL SAGE# 52580 Welly® Traveler Bundle Set Item# 1629-11 SAGE# 52344
Looking towards the future of our world, we need to be conscious about what we can do to save it. We only have one home, this is it. There are no backups or second chances. Ensuring that you’re making the best possible choices for your business and offering your customers green and eco-friendly alternatives will go a long way in the fight to make our planet a friendlier place to live.
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