Sustainable Corporate Gifts: 11 Ways to Go Green at Work

Demand for eco-friendly gifts is growing, especially among younger generations. According to a recent Custom Ink survey of 1,000 U.S. employees, 75% of respondents aged 25-34 expressed a preference for sustainably made gifts and company swag. 

Choosing sustainable gifts is an excellent way to connect with your work community and demonstrate your values while showing the earth some love. We have some tips and products below to get you started.

Green Flags for Sustainable Shopping

• Pick Organic Fabric

Products made from organic fabrics are soft on your body and the environment. By opting for items crafted from organically grown materials, you’re supporting agriculture that eschews harmful pesticides and fosters healthier ecosystems, which helps your well-being and the planet’s.

• Select Recycled Materials

Embracing products made from recycled materials, such as recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) and recycled polyester, can profoundly impact waste reduction. By giving discarded materials a new lease on life, you actively contribute to redirecting landfill-bound waste.

• Consider the Source

Opt for materials that were grown, sourced, or produced without the use of harmful chemicals. Not only do you shield yourself and those around you from potentially hazardous substances, but you also encourage industries to embrace practices that protect both human health and the delicate ecosystems we depend on.

• Opt for Eco-Friendly Processes

Choose and use items manufactured with reduced water usage, lower pollution outputs, and gentler dyeing techniques, and you’ll signal a demand for greener industrial practices, nudging manufacturers to reshape their methodologies for the planet’s well-being.

• Find Products Certified By the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)

When you choose products bearing the FSC certification, you’re making an investment in forests that extend far beyond their timber. Your purchase becomes a conduit for environmental conservation, social equity, and economic stability, as responsibly managed forests have the power to nurture communities, combat deforestation, and safeguard biodiversity. 

• Seek Out Sustainability Initiatives

Many brands and products align with sustainability initiatives like Econscious, B Corp, 1% For the Planet, and Green America. Aligning with brands or products linked to sustainability initiatives transcends a transaction—it’s a joint effort to engineer lasting change. By endorsing these initiatives, you amplify their impact, fostering a world where commerce and environmental consciousness come together. 

11 Customizable Eco-Friendly Products 

Add your logo to custom gifts this year to create a sense of belonging and community within your business. And when you choose sustainable products, you’re showing your employees and clients that you care about their values and the planet. 

1. Econscious Organic/Recycled Full Length Apron

These durable aprons meet several criteria listed above to be considered sustainable. They’re made of 55% certified organic cotton and 45% recycled polyester and is a 1% For The Planet member. 

2. Hilana Yalova Upcycled Ultra Soft Marbled Turkish Towel

Both super soft and versatile, these towels are perfect for indoor and outdoor activities—show yours off as a throw on your couch or lay it out on the beach. They’re also made of a 50/50 blend of recycled and natural cotton, and one percent of sales are donated to environmental nonprofits through 1% For The Planet. 

3. JournalBooks ® Debossed FSC Mix Soft Cover Bound Notebook with Pen

You don’t have to forego paper altogether just to help the environment. Get the tactile experience and benefits of writing on Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified paper with a Bamboo Quick-Dry Gel Ballpoint Pen. Like many of our eco-friendly products, one percent of sales are donated to environmental nonprofits through 1% For The Planet. 

4. Cotopaxi Batac Backpack

These super fun sustainable backpacks have a surprise in store. Thanks to the 100% repurposed, durable, and lightweight ripstop nylon shell fabric, every backpack is unique in color and pattern. Everyone in your group will get a one-of-a-kind backpack, making these especially memorable and eco-friendly gifts. 

5. Modern Sprout One For One Tree Kit

Give a gift that gives back. This tree kit contains non-GMO tree seeds and a container made of upcycled cow manure that’s 100% biodegradable and helps heal nutrient-depleted soil but doesn’t smell (we promise!). Start a new tradition of planting a tree for every new hire, client, and milestone. See how many trees you can plant by next year!   

6. 58″ Arc Recycled Golf Umbrella

Protect yourself from the rain while helping protect the planet. These durable umbrellas are made of recycled polyester and have an FSC-certified wood handle. Plus, they’re lightning-proof thanks to their full fiberglass frame. 

7. District Re-Tee T-Shirt

District Re-Tee T-shirts are made from 100% recycled fabric and are never re-dyed so as to eliminate wasteful, water-intensive dying. They prove that you don’t have to compromise the environment to look good. 

8. Klean Kanteen 16 oz. Eco Insulated Tumbler

Reusable cups, tumblers, and water bottles are already great ways to help protect the environment, and you can use eco-friendly containers to take it a step further. These tumblers from Klean Kanteen are made of 90% post-consumer recycled 18/8 stainless steel, which helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions during manufacturing.  

9. 22 oz. Sona Recycled Water Bottle with Bamboo Lid

Another great reusable option, these recycled water bottles from Sona check many eco-friendly boxes. A 100% recycled plastic body and bamboo lid make this a wonderful alternative to traditional water bottles. 

10. Econscious Organic/Recycled Trucker Hat

Trucker hats are back, so make eco-friendly choices with hats like the Econscious Organic and Recycled Trucker Hat, which is made of 70% certified organic cotton and 30% recycled polyester. Plus, Econscious donates at least 1% of its annual sales to environmental causes and is a proud partner of 1% For The Planet, Green America, Organic Trade Association, and Rodale Institute. 

11. Wooden Ring Toss Game

Make your games environmentally friendly too! The Wooden Ring Toss Game will delight friends and family and help defend the environment with its natural wood structure and RPET storage bag. 

We have so many choices when it comes to corporate gifts, and we have the power to choose custom products that speak to the values of the people who receive them and help preserve our planet.