The holiday season is a busy time for businesses. In addition to the regular day-to-day operations, there are parties to plan, gifts to buy, and events to attend. It can be tempting to just go with the flow and do things the way they've always been done, but this year, why not shake things up a bit and implement some sustainable corporate gifting practices? Not only will you be doing your part to help the environment, but you'll also be setting your business up for success in the long run. Gifting may be a small part of your business, but it is one where you can make a big impact.
Here are three sustainable corporate gifting practices your business can implement now:
1. Buy Local
When it comes to corporate gifting, it's important to think about the entire lifecycle of the product—from production to consumption to disposal. One of the best ways to reduce your business's environmental impact is to buy locally. Not only does buying local support businesses within your community, but it also reduces transportation emissions since the products don't have to travel as far.
2. Shop From Sustainable Brands and Companies
You can take it one step further and purchase your gifts from eco-friendly brands. They can help ensure what you buy is ethically produced and/or sustainably made. With their Sustainable Develop Goals as a foundation for business operations, going green means more than just having a single line of eco-friendly products. It’s representative of the entire brand’s ethos and efforts to reduce waste while working towards a better future.
3. Go Green with Your Packaging
An often overlooked area when it comes to sustainable gifts is the packaging; make sure that your packaging is eco-friendly. Avoid using plastic wrap, Styrofoam peanuts, wrapping paper with glitter, and opt for recycled paper or compostable packing materials instead. Using natural greenery such as twine or sprigs is a great way to dress up any gift wrapping. You can even reuse packaging from previous orders or packaging that you've received yourself. And when it comes time to dispose of the packaging, make sure you recycle it properly.
4. Choose Reusable or Recycled Products
Another way to reduce your business's environmental impact is to choose gifts that can either be reused or recycled. Consider giving items like reusable water bottles, coffee mugs, or paperless notebooks instead of disposables like plastic cups or paper pads. If you do give items that need to be disposed of, make sure they can be recycled—and include recycling instructions on the packaging if necessary.
5. Opt for Electronic Gift Cards
When all else fails, a digital gift card is a waste-free way to tell your employees or clients you are thinking of them. Giving your gift recipient the freedom to choose their gift is a great way to reduce waste and avoid unnecessary packaging.
Sustainability does not have to be sacrificed for convenience. With Good Earth Gifting’s Eco-Friendly Corporate Gifts, you can take the guesswork out of going green. We focus on lowering our carbon footprint so we can reduce yours, too. By implementing some easy sustainable corporate gifting practices, you can minimize your business's environmental impact and set yourself up for long-term success. Let us help you with your corporate gifting this year. Your employees (and the planet) will thank you for it.
If you’re looking for eco-friendly delivery companies, supplies for the office, or corporate gifting ideas, we're saving you hours of research by giving you access to our list of sustainable businesses in Canada dedicated to helping your business become more sustainable. Download the free guide today!
Good Earth Gifting is a sustainable corporate gifting platform that aims to educate individuals about eco-friendly initiatives, support local Canadian businesses, and inspire gifts for the good of the Earth. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to join the conversation!