Powering Promotional Products since 1992
The most wonderful time of the year is fast approaching and amongst all the festive cheer and likely excessive indulgence on mince pies, we must still be mindful of the impact we are having on the planet. In a time where sustainability is becoming more valued by consumers, businesses are constantly having to rethink the way which they produce their products and perhaps even begin to introduce new eco alternatives. That being said, here are some tips we can all follow to cut down on harmful waste whilst still having a fantastic Christmas!
Avoid Unnecessary Plastic
The effect that single use plastic has on our planet has been highly documented with 8 million metric tons of plastics being dumped into our oceans each year, on top of the 150 million metric tonnes that are estimated to circulate our marine environments.
During the festive season alone, approximately 125,000 tonnes of plastic food containers will be discarded, this amount of waste can be vastly reduced with the use of more sustainable packaging made from recycled materials and cardboard.
Everybody loves warming themselves up with a hot drink during winter, whether it be a coffee to go during the morning commute or a hot cup of tea to take on a country walk, however, the disposable cups provided by coffee shops are rarely biodegradable and once discarded, end up adding to the ever increasing piles of landfill.
Why not opt for a sturdier and eco-friendly bamboo fibre mug to take with you on those cold mornings, made from bio-degradable material and can be reused frequently. These products are a natural textile made from the pulp of bamboo grass which is then spun into fibres. This can be printed with your company logo to advertise your brand, keep your drink warm and show your commitment to sustainability at the same time! Talk about a no brainer!
The period before Christmas is easily one of the most hectic times of the year with many of us being guilty of last minute gift shopping, days before the 25th! This year, make a difference by substituting your flimsy plastic shopping bag for a robust and reusable organic paper bag or a natural cotton shopper ideal for both keeping your items in and providing as a gift bag for presents. Concept Incentives offer a wide range of eco-friendly, multi-use shopping bags, all available to brand with your company logo and details to one or both sides, maximising exposure and saving the planet!
Christmas is not only a time for treating family and friends, but also a great time to show your staff and clients how appreciated they are! Gifts come in all shapes and sizes, but if you’re looking to treat someone without unneeded plastic packaging, our eco sweet pots are made from plant materials rather than plastic, meaning once enjoyed, they can be disposed of in your food waste recycling bin guilt free! These great snack giveaways are available with a wide range of fillings including Skittles, gummy bears, jelly beans and even savoury treats like trail mix, nuts and dried fruits and can be printed with a full colour wrap design, perfect for your festive messages and thanks!
Use More Efficient Lights
As referenced to in a certain Christmas classic, “may your days be merry and bright”. Whilst we all love to light up our trees and houses, being mindful of the impact it has on the environment is equally important. It was found that Brits bin a staggering 500 tonnes of Xmas lights every year, with the vast majority not being recycled. Although there has been an increase in the use of eco-friendly LED lights, the more common incandescent lights used for decoration are less energy efficient and emit greenhouse gases. A simple tip that could help combat the harm done is keeping your festive lights off during the daytime where they are not likely to be as visible.
Our Portable LED Lightbulbs are a great addition to any festive setting. Simply tie the rope onto any surface, pull the bulb down and illuminate your room or outdoor space with warm, festive light. These bulbs are great not just for Christmas, but for all year round (although it may be a little soon to be thinking of barbeques just yet!). These promotional bulbs can be printed with your company logo to ensure your brand stays in the spotlight.
If you’re going for an early Boxing Day bike ride or trying your new set of wheels, consider the light torch you use on the front. Using a single use battery powered light for example can be unsustainable as they don’t bio-degrade after full use and disposal of the batteries is also tricky. Instead, switch to a branded LED bike light which is better for the environment, more energy efficient and much safer.
With the nights between now and Christmas getting ever colder and darker, it’s important to make sure your car is suitably prepared to handle the icy roads, for more information on how to get your car winter ready, check out our previous blog, ‘Keep your Car Safe This Winter’.
