ASI Releases Top Eco-Friendly Freebies for Earth Day

ASI studies show 66% give away unwanted items, up 15 percentage points from 2008

TREVOSE, PA – April 22, 2013 – Bowls made from bicycle spokes, three-in-one utensils and USBs boxed with recyclable packaging hit the top eco-friendly freebies list released today in honor of Earth Day by the Advertising Specialty Institute® (ASI).

In addition, ASI’s Global Advertising Specialties Impressions Study show 66% of U.S. respondents now give away ad specialties they don’t need to someone else, up 15 percentage points from 2008, further proving their superior pass along value.

Earth Day is celebrated worldwide on April 22, and more companies than ever before are using “green” giveaways to promote their commitment to the environment while advertising their brand, product or event.

“The promotional products industry knows no bounds when it comes to marketing ingenuity, especially when it comes to Earth Day products companies can feel good about imprinting with their logo,” said Timothy M. Andrews, president and CEO of ASI, a member organization serving the $19.4 billion promotional products industry. “Using logoed giveaways made from green materials or that promote eco-friendly ideals to thank a client, kick off a new product launch or advertise a brand will promote good will that will last all year long.”

Click here for an Earth Day product demo video.

ASI’s Top Eco-Friendly Freebies:

• Bike Spoke Bowl, from Helping Hand Rewards. Artisans in India in a fair trade workshop craft the bowls from recycled bicycle spokes. Company names can be incorporated in the design.
• Desk Planter, from Walter’s Seed Company. Planter sprouts on a desk and can be transplanted to the ground. A unique idea for eco-themed promotions.
• Youtensil, from Kindle Hill. Made from recycled material and completely recyclable, the Youtensil is a three-in-one utensil that’s perfect for camping, scouts and parties.
• Eco Journal, from Bannerpen. Contains acid-free sheets that are made from recycled paper and banana fibers.
• USB Drive with Biodegradable Packaging, from Green Marketing Innovations. The box is crafted from recycled paper and the padding is made from cornstarch. Load the USB flash drive with info instead of using printed paper for an eco-friendly promotion.
• Eco Pints, from ETX Express. A cup made from bamboo, the Eco Pint is perfect for parties and gatherings and a great gift for clients.
• Organic Cotton T-shirt, from Econscious. Made without the use of pesticides or fertilizers.
• Full-zip Hoodie, from Econscious. Made from 55% organic cotton/5% recycled polyester.
• Jute Tote, from Prime Line. Comes with wooden accents and is earth friendly. An ideal replacement for single use plastic bags that makes a great tote for the beach, pool or gym.

Promotional products, or advertising specialties, are items like pens, T-shirts, caps, coffee mugs and high-tech electronics imprinted with a logo or slogan to promote anything from a new store opening to a hot new product. ASI studies show ad specialties beat out prime-time TV, radio and print advertising as the most cost-effective advertising medium available.

About ASI
The Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) is the largest media, marketing and education organization serving the promotional products industry, with a network of over 25,000 distributors and suppliers throughout North America.