Are you looking to have fun in the sun while also minimizing your environmental impact? Luckily, there are many promotional products out there that can help you have an amazing summer while doing your part to save the planet!  

Sunscreen

According to Save the Reef, “Scientists have found that an estimated 14,000 tons of sunscreen is deposited into our oceans and reefs every year!”  Octinoxate and oxybenzone, two of the most common chemicals found in sunscreen are the “most potent killer” of coral reefs worldwide.  If you are looking for reef-friendly options, look for sunscreens that have safe minerals like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide as the active ingredients instead of those that include oxybenzone, octinoxate, homosalate, or octocrylene.  You also want to avoid PABA, parabens, triclosan, and any microplastics or nanoparticles.  

Check out the link above for sunscreen options that include only 6 ingredients: Zinc Oxide (non-nanoparticle), Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Beeswax, Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Coconut Oil, and non-GMO Tocopherol and reef-friendly lip balm options too! 

Recycled Materials

Recycled cotton fabrics that are cool and breathable make great tees, tanks, and even beach towels.  Annually 25 billion pounds of textiles are discarded.  (Council for Textile Recycling) Using recycled textiles saves water, reduces carbon emissions, and keeps those 25 billion pounds out of landfills.  

About 2.79 million tons of plastic PET bottles are thrown out every year. (USEPA Office of Solid Waste) The good news is that about 30% of those are recycled into RPET. (National Association for PET Container Resources & The Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers) RPET made from recycled plastic bottles can be used to make a wide variety of items from hard goods like drinkware, umbrellas, coolers, and frisbees to apparel and accessories like t-shirts, tanks, totes, and towels!   

Blended with other materials or on their own, recycled materials can be super soft and fashion-forward, giving your next Screen Printed T-shirt or towel project a higher perceived value.  For t-shirts, towels, bags, and other recycled textile items perfect for the pool or beach check out the link above. 

Compostable Summer Items

Did you know that bamboo is actually a fast-growing grass?  Because it requires less water than many crops to grow and does not require the use of pesticides, producing it can have less of an environmental impact than many other materials.  While bamboo items can be reused over and over again, bamboo items can be recycled, or even better, composted when you are done with them! If you don’t have a compost bin, smaller bamboo items like straws or utensils can even be broken up and buried in your garden where insects and plants can break them down. 

If you are looking to get as close to zero waste as possible with your promotional products, then wheat straw items are a great option.  When wheat grains are harvested, the leftover wheat straw stalk has been traditionally discarded.  Not only is the wheat straw not being wasted, but it is also being used in place of other items like paper (for plates and cups) or plastic (for reusable hard goods) that have a higher environmental impact.  As with bamboo, wheat straw can be composted both at home and in commercial facilities. 

We have you covered with hats and sunglasses and can help you have your lunch alfresco with utensils, containers, and drinkware.  The sustainable summer items link will take you to a fun selection of items perfect for having fun in the sun.  

If you aren’t sure where to start with your earth-friendly summer promo, don’t sweat it! Just reach out to us for a consultation.  We can do the work while you lounge in the shade.