CustomEarthPromos - Eco Blog US
Food Industry Sustainability News: Paris SIAL Trade Show
Oct 18, 2022
Food and beverage professionals are meeting in Paris this October to share the latest in food industry sustainability. Salon International de l’Alimentation (SIAL) is one of the biggest food trade shows in the world, and members of the U.S. Sustainability Alliance are attending to show their developments.
Who's Exhibiting?
There’s a whole section of the SIAL show dedicated to food industry sustainability in the United States, known as the USA General Food Pavilion and Lounge. The U.S. Sustainability Alliance organizations who are exhibiting at the show are:
USA Poultry & Egg Export CouncilFood Export USA - Midwest & NortheastUSA Dry Pea & Lentil CouncilOrganic Trade AssociationUS Soybean Export CouncilUS Dairy Export CouncilUS Meat Export FederationUS Dry Bean Council
Interesting food industry sustainability topics being discussed over the event include ethical food sourcing, innovative food and drinks packaging, and new plant-based food products. Some exciting new plant-based innovations include Austrian company Revo Foods’ plant-based seafood products and consumer brand AcreMade’s new plant-based egg.
Ideas for your next trade show
In-keeping with the hype surrounding this food industry sustainability rendez-vous in Paris, it’s a great time to consider how best to present your own business at food and beverage trade shows.
As with all trade shows, freebies and giveaways are vital. Having customized items to give out to attendees will help them remember your company or brand once they leave the event, especially after speaking with potentially hundreds of people. You want to make a memorable, lasting impression, and this is a great way to get promotional items out to new potential clients.
Make sure all of your custom promo items are eco-friendly, so that they fit the values of the show surrounding food industry sustainability. Some great ideas for eco-friendly promotional items for food and drink trade shows are:
Reusable strawsGiving away reusable straws in customized packaging is perfect if your company is exhibiting new drinks or beverage innovations. Paper straws and stainless steel straws are available in different colors and costs to fit every company.Sustainable food containersGive your attendees an eco-friendly way to eat their lunch throughout the event by giving out reusable and biodegradable food containers. These are ideal if your brand wants to hand out food samples and advertise at the same time. Attendees will also take these home and reuse them after the show.Reusable trade show bagsBags are a must at any trade show. When handing out freebies and promo items, you want to make sure that you’re still appealing to those who are invested in food industry sustainability. Stock your booth with bags made from recycled materials or organic cotton to best portray your business. There are plenty of customizable options out there that are both ...
Eco-Friendly Resorts: Travelling Toward a Sustainable Future
Aug 30, 2022
Discover the retreats seeking sustainable change and giving our planet a much deserved break from environmental damage. From hotels harnessing renewable energy to in-house apiaries, these innovative eco-friendly resorts are leading the tourism sector in sustainability.
The Environmental Impact of Hotels
With hundreds of thousands of travelers each year, hotels have a huge carbon footprint. All eco-conscious vacationers will know that even travel to resorts is heavy on the environment. Flying or driving long distances generates greenhouse gasses before guests even step foot on the resort.
Hotels use a lot of energy and water in their everyday operations. From powering rooms, to the huge amount of laundry involved in replacing bedding. Many resorts work around the clock, and have power-draining entertainment venues. Restaurants serve a lot of meat and fish year-round, and pools require massive amounts of water and heating.
We burn fossil fuels for most of our energy, contributing to climate change through greenhouse gas. Oil and gas are non-renewable resources and will eventually run out, making them an unsustainable energy source in the long-term.
Thankfully, some hoteliers are developing eco-friendly resorts and at least minimizing the impact a vacation has on the environment.
Top 3 Eco-Friendly Resorts in the US
For those concerned about the environmental cost of their vacation, choosing an eco-friendly resort can help with guilt-free enjoyment. Here are 3 of the top hotels striving for sustainability:
The Bardessono Hotel, CABuilt largely from the timber of salvaged trees, this hotel boasts LEED platinum certification. The Bardessono uses an underground geothermal system for heating rooms and tap water, in addition to the pool. 940 solar panels fuel the rest of this stunning eco-friendly resort. They even source their own organic produce in their gardens.
Salamander Resort and Spa, VAThe 340 acre resort uses 200 acres of land for conservation, and has planted over 2000 trees. The hotel is also responsible for the building of waste-reducing water facilities for the nearby town. What's more, their garden provides fresh herbs and vegetables for the eco-friendly resort’s famous restaurants.
The Ranch at Rock Creek, MTThe Ranch really defines responsible luxury with its closed-loop sustainability system. Because they use reusable bottles for drinks and toiletries, the hotel is able to eliminate 100% of single use plastic. They use solar energy to power lights in addition to contributing to local conservation efforts. Not only does the resort have on-site beehives for fresh honey, they also source meat and vegetables locally. In addition to this, all food scraps are directed straight to local farms.
Promote Your Resort with Eco-Friendly Items
If your hotel is working toward sustainable change, start by switching out single-use items for reusable ones. ...
Eco-Friendly Sports Teams: Game Plan to Tackle Climate Change
Aug 28, 2022
With football season approaching, stadiums are getting ready to welcome thousands of fans back through their gates. However, with such high footfall comes a high carbon footprint.
Sports teams nationwide are starting to put their best foot forward when it comes to tackling environmental issues. Whether you’re a fan, a professional or local team, or a sponsor, you can get on board with sustainable changes to help reduce environmental impact and push toward eco-friendly sports.
What is the environmental impact of sport?
Sustainable energy
Powering a stadium, especially one that can seat tens of thousands of fans, is no easy feat. Whilst ticket sales cover the energy bills, they unfortunately can’t cover the environmental costs.
The US is currently part of the Race to Zero campaign, a global effort to cut down on carbon emissions. Part of this involves gaining the capacity for 750 GW of renewable energy by 2030. We source most energy from the burning of fossil fuels such as oil or gas to generate electricity and heat. As oil and gas are finite resources on our planet, this is not a sustainable way of powering our lives (or sports stadiums). Burning fossil fuels also takes a toll on our environment as it creates greenhouse gasses that contribute to climate change.
Some eco-friendly sports teams have taken it upon themselves to contribute to sustainable energy efforts by installing solar panels on stadium roofs and the surrounding areas. Harnessing the power of the sun, solar energy is a cost-efficient renewable energy source and helps teams cut down on energy bills.
Plastic waste
Each year, football season comes with a huge amount of plastic waste. A single Superbowl game alone generates an average of 80,000 lbs of trash. Where fans are prohibited from bringing their own food and drink into the stadium, it’s difficult for fans to make sustainable choices individually.
Many stadiums are choosing to advance toward eco-friendly sports by replacing disposable cups and food containers with sustainable items such as reusable cups or recyclable aluminum cans. Sports brand Adidas have even created their first football pitch made entirely of recycled plastic. This recycled plastic field uses 1.8 million plastic bottles found at beaches and coastlines, cleaning up local areas whilst cutting down on the amount of water and energy used in pitch maintenance. The field can be found at Edison High School in Miami.
Examples of professional teams making sustainable changes
Sacramento KingsThe California basketball team boasts an arena that is 100% powered by solar energy sourced within 50 miles of the arenaPittsburgh Pirates:The Pennsylvania baseball team recycle more than 65% of all waste, saving it from landfillPhiladelphia EaglesThe popular football team harness solar and wind energy from panels and turbines, generating 6x as much energy as they need for one game and giving back to the local communityForest Green RoversThe UK ...
Back to School: Top 5 eco-friendly promo products for the new semester
Aug 20, 2022
It’s that time again! Summer is drawing to a close and the first students are flocking to campus for the new academic year. Now is the perfect time to stock your campus stores with back to school promotional items. Start the year right with our top 5 back to school promotional products to boost school spirit.
1. Tech-friendly reusable backpacks
Backpacks customized with your school logo are perfect for back to school. Custom backpacks make new students feel welcome, create continuity across campus, and make it easy to identify other students.
These tech-friendly reusable backpacks are perfect for back to school, as they’re big enough to store laptops, tablets, and notepads. With separate compartments, it’s easy for students to stay organized.
Padded and adjustable straps make this bag comfortable to carry all day. What’s more, these backpacks come with a power bank to recharge devices across a full day of classes.
2. Recycled pens
Make it easy for students to turn up prepared by stocking up on eco-friendly pens. Branded pens are ideal to hand out in giveaway packs for back to school, alongside important campus information. Wholesale custom pens are typically low-cost, making them a perfect budget-friendly promotional item. Choose an eco-friendly pen to promote sustainability and reduce the environmental impact of your institution.
3. Custom planners
Getting used to a new class schedule is a big part of going back to school. Help students stay on top of deadlines with a planner customized with your school logo. These promotional branded pocket planners are essential for all students. With a high-quality foil imprint and 5 vivid colors available, they’re sure to fly off the shelves of your school store.
Choose an eco-friendly promotional planner to reduce the environmental impact of your college. Custom Earth Promos uses only eco-friendly inks in their planners, manufactured without the use of harmful chemicals.
4. Personalized water bottles
With the back to school campus rush comes a full gym and sports team tryouts. Custom reusable stainless steel water bottles are an excellent promotional tool when branded with your school’s logo.
Stainless steel water bottles are very popular at the moment and are insulated to keep drinks cold or hot throughout a busy day of classes. These bottles help reduce the amount of single-use plastic on campus and save students money in the long run as they’re tough enough to last for years.
5. Custom duffel bags
Moving to campus can be a daunting time for many new students. Luggage takes up a lot of space in a shared dorm room, but it’s still important for students to bring their home comforts when heading back to school.
Supersized custom drawstring bags are perfect for bringing clothes and bed linens to college, and can be folded away or reused as a laundry bag after unpacking. Give these out as a welcome gift to new students to make them feel more at home ...
Wind Energy: US Launches First Large-Scale Offshore Wind Farm
Aug 18, 2022
The US’ first commercial-scale wind farm is launching to increase renewable wind energy production. Developers of the project, Vineyard Wind, have chosen a massive turbine for the job. Read on to find out just how powerful this turbine is and how increased wind energy will benefit the US.
Wind energy that can power a home with one spin
GE, an American company, has manufactured the giant turbine that will be able to power a home for 2 days with just one spin. The turbine model, GE Haliade-X, is an upgrade from the current best turbine in the world, so will propel the US to the forefront of wind energy.
With a capacity of 13 MW, the new turbine is twice the size of any turbine off the US coast at present. The amount of power it can generate has set a new record in terms of wind energy. Massachusetts is going to be the first state to benefit from such a large offshore wind farm, as the coast off Martha’s Vineyard is chosen as the site for the new development. The local area will see 400,000 homes plus additional businesses powered by the wind farm.
Advantages of wind energy
Wind energy harnesses the power of the wind to move blades of large turbines, creating kinetic energy. This energy converts into electricity, which can power homes and businesses. Wind is a source of renewable energy, and a sustainable way to produce electricity.
As part of the global Race to Zero campaign, the US is committed to reach 750 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. Wind energy is a valuable resource to achieve this, as it is a free and unlimited way to produce electricity. It doesn’t emit greenhouse gasses or pollutants into the air, unlike the burning of fossil fuels, making it a clean energy source.
Wind energy doesn’t depend on other nations, so it’s more reliable than oil and gas. As seen this year, limited supply of non-renewable energy sources due to conflict in other nations can increase the cost of fuel in the US. Wind energy means cheaper power and lower utility bills for American homes. What’s more, wind farms create a lot of jobs and strengthen the economy.
How you can help with the race to zero
Whilst production of renewable and wind energy is under progress, you can boost sustainability efforts by making some simple eco-friendly changes.
1. Installing solar panels
It might not be possible to install a massive wind turbine at your home, but you can harness the clean and free power of the sun by installing solar panels on your roof. This can provide electricity to your house or business, reducing the use of non-renewable energy.
2. Using sustainable options
If you own a business, you can reduce your carbon footprint by making sustainable changes. Stores can offer customers reusable shopping bags instead of single-use plastic that harms the environment. Event organizers can also switch to eco-friendly promotional items such as organic cotton lanyards. Additionally, you can make invitations out of seed ...
The Environmental Impact of Food Waste
Aug 14, 2022
Many of us don’t consider the environmental impact of the food that we waste. This issue is damaging the environment, from wasting valuable water and energy resources in the growth of a bad crop, to the greenhouse gasses released by food in landfill. Read on to find out how food waste harms the environment and 3 top tips on how you can help.
How does food waste harm the environment?
Growth
Food waste begins at the farming level. Bad weather, pests, or uneven ripening patterns might ruin a crop. Insufficient labor can mean a harvest isn’t finished before the food turns bad. In addition to this, supermarkets often cancel orders for food at the last minute, leaving farmers unable to shift their goods. All of these factors contribute to food waste, and experts predict that 15% of the world’s food is wasted before it ever leaves the farm. This equals around 1.2 billion tonnes of food waste polluting the planet each year at the farming level. As well as this, all of the energy and water used to grow the crop is also wasted.
What’s more, unsustainable farming practices around the world are also damaging to the environment. Chemicals such as pesticides and insecticides pollute waterways, whilst intensive agriculture often leads to irreversible soil erosion. Clearing the land to grow monocrops often involves deforestation, contributing to climate change and a loss of biodiversity.
Transport
The environmental costs of transporting food are high enough without adding the effects of food waste. Transporting food in planes, boats and trucks around the world comes with a high carbon footprint. The trucks used to drive food around the US alone use a significant amount of fuel, which is a non-renewable resource.
Issues often happen along lines of transportation, such as boats or planes being delayed or trucks breaking down. These delays mean that food turns bad before it reaches its destination, leading to even more food waste.
Landfill
It’s estimated that 40% of all food produced on the earth is never eaten. Food waste is usually taken to landfill, whether it’s the tonnes of food lost in farming and transportation or the scraps from our tables. When this happens, the decomposition of food releases methane, which is a greenhouse gas. Even the most sustainable diet can be harmful to the environment when this happens. Data shows that 8% of all greenhouse gasses on the planet come from food waste.
How can we reduce food waste?
Each of us has a part to play when it comes to reducing food waste. Here are 3 top tips for how you can help:
Plan your meals in advance
Planning your meals for the week in advance will help you to only buy what you need at the grocery store. Take a list so you won’t end up buying extras that later turn into food waste.
Meal planning also helps you with portion control, which will reduce the amount of leftovers ending up in landfill.
Purchase some eco-friendly reusable food containers ...
Washable Paper Bags: The More Sustainable Option
Aug 11, 2022
Natural colored paper bags give an eco-friendly look to any checkout. Whilst paper bags fit the aesthetic many sustainable stores are after, they’re not the best option if your business is truly trying to go green. Washable paper bags offer an eco-friendly alternative. As they’re more durable than standard paper bags, washable paper bags are reusable. This means a reduction in the number of paper bags manufactured, and a better user experience overall.
The problem with paper bags
With many states banning single-use plastic bags, paper bags have risen in popularity. Whilst the environmental damage caused by plastic bags is now general knowledge, many people are still unaware that paper bags aren’t the greenest option.
It's easy to recycle paper bags, which is a massive bonus that single-use plastics don’t offer. However, this doesn’t solve all of the environmental issues surrounding shopping bags. Washable paper bags may just be the compromise we need to steer away from plastic whilst being more environmentally responsible.
Manufacturing is environmentally costly
Trees used for paper bags are a renewable resource, which immediately puts them a step above oil-sourced plastics. However, these trees have valuable qualities that the earth needs to survive. Trees turn carbon dioxide into oxygen, which we not only need to breathe but also reduces the amount of greenhouse gas in the atmosphere.
Whilst sustainable tree farming and harvesting practices are now common, we should still be cautious about our use of this resource. Each day consumers use millions of paper bags, which require the cutting down of millions of trees each year.
Manufacturing standard paper bags requires 4x more energy than plastic bags. Non-renewable resources such as oil and gas often fuel this energy. What’s more, the process uses harmful chemicals that can damage the earth around factories.
Where paper bags are typically only good for one use, this means more manufacturing is required. Switching to washable paper bags gives increased durability and reduces the demand for manufacturing of paper bags.
Many paper bags end up in landfill
Just because paper bags are easily recycled doesn’t mean everyone recycles them. When paper bags end up in landfill, they take up more space than plastic bags, increasing pollution of our planet. Paper bags also take a long time to biodegrade, and still create methane (a greenhouse gas) as they break down.
Choosing a washable paper bag reduces the number of paper bags that end up in landfill, as they can be used repeatedly over time.
Standard paper bags aren’t a viable long-term promo tool
We’ve all experienced the handle of a paper bag breaking on the way out of the store. It’s also a real problem when paper bags become wet from condensation on cold groceries or if it starts to rain. Standard paper bags rip and tear easily. Many people throw them away after only one use.
If your company ...
Customized YETI Tumblers: Product Highlight
Aug 5, 2022
Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you’re probably already aware of the elite YETI range of reusable tumblers, mugs and bottles. These stunning products are the toughest on the market when it comes to reusable tumblers. Made with puncture and rust resistant stainless steel and double walled insulation, YETI tumblers easily take the gold when it comes to sustainable bottles.
Summer celebrations are still far from over, and fall festivities are on the horizon, so this is the perfect time to place an order for customized YETI tumblers. The durability of these products makes them perfect for outdoor activities. Festivals, pool days, camping trips and bonfires are all more enjoyable with a good beverage. Whether you want to keep drinks hot or cold, these YETI tumblers have got you covered.
Wholesale customized YETI tumblers take your brand to the next level. With these tumblers drawing attention from everyone around, you don’t want to miss out on the chance to advertise your brand. Check out our top picks from the range and ideas on how to harness these tumblers as a powerful promotional tool!
Custom YETI Wine Tumblers
Unwinding at the end of the day should be completely free of stress. You no longer need to worry about breaking glasses after a few drinks. These YETI wine tumblers are ideal for pool days, camping, picnics and barbecues. Insulation will make sure your chilled Sauvignon stays crisp, whilst the outer surface keeps your hands dry. What’s more, a sliding lid helps prevent spills and keeps bugs out of your drink!
Customized YETI wine tumblers are the perfect promotional item for:
Team building retreats
Boat charters
Wine festivals
Custom YETI Ramblers
Long journeys are thirsty work. These YETI 18oz ramblers are perfect for those times when refilling often isn’t an option. The 360° cap is ideal for people on the move to sip from any side, whether they’re driving or riding a bike. Drinks will stay hot or cold with these insulated YETI tumblers. These ramblers also fully leak proof, so there’ll be no spills regardless of the activity!
Customized YETI ramblers are the perfect promotional item for:
Employees with long commutes
Summer camps
Hiking trips
Custom YETI Can Holders
Say goodbye to cold, wet hands for good when enjoying a cool can of drink! These reusable can holders take insulation far beyond the level of fabric sleeves. No need to worry about your cool beer getting warm in the sun when you have a YETI can holder. The smooth touch surface is a pleasure to hold, and the load and lock system means there’ll be no spillages whilst enjoying yourself. Customized can holders mean your brand will be present at every event, and this variation of YETI tumblers are sure to catch the eye of everyone present.
Customized YETI Can Holders are the perfect promotional item for:
Football season
Camping trips
Music Festivals
Fall Marketing Ideas for Retail
Aug 3, 2022
With fall close approaching, it’s a great time to vamp up your store and bring in new customers. There’s nothing better than venturing out in the cooler weather and wandering the aisles with a pumpkin spiced latte in hand. Here are some top marketing tips for retailers to catch shoppers’ attention this upcoming fall season.
1. Decorate your store
Fall decorations are already starting to make their way onto shelves, and should soon be in your store too! From September, try creating fall-themed window displays using warm orange, red and brown colors.
A great way to do this is with leaves, berries and branches, although fall-hued floral arrangements are perfect for transitioning out of summer. Book pages are also ideal for sweater season.
No matter how you choose to decorate your store windows, a fall marketing theme is an eye-catching way to draw in new customers and keep things fresh for existing ones.
2. Reusable giveaways for events
With a huge range of events taking place in the fall, there are great opportunities for advertising to a wider audience. Giveaway items such as reusable tote bags are perfect for this. Customers will carry them to events, becoming walking advertisements for your store!
Some examples of fall marketing for events are:
Football games
Custom can holdersCustomized reusable can holders will keep beers cold throughout the game. What’s more, locking lids keep cans secure to prevent celebration spills!
Reusable cooler bagsHelp your customers ditch the styrofoam with handy reusable cooler bags. Customized cooler bags with your logo on the front ensure that your brand is present at every tailgate!
Oktoberfest
Bavarian beer, live music and traditional dress guarantee a good time! Make the most of Oktoberfest by offering giveaways such as reusable steins (aka beer glasses) that tap into German culture.
Fiesta de Santa Fe
Every September, the Fiesta de Santa Fe takes place to celebrate the rich culture of New Mexico. Wine competitions are an important part of this event, with wineries from far and wide participating. Incorporate custom wine bags in your fall marketing to make a memorable impression!
3. Marketing for fall holidays
Two of the best holidays of the year happen in the fall. Keep up with the excitement by customizing your fall marketing in the lead up to Halloween and Thanksgiving.
Spooky season offers so many opportunities for epic advertising. Customize your shopping bags with pumpkins, skeletons, and witchy designs to thrill shoppers. Black backgrounds with bright orange, purple or green images will make your logo jump out at customers.
Thanksgiving is all about good food and wholesome feelings. Orange and red will always have a seat at the table. Customized grocery totes in pumpkin spiced colors can be reused for all trips to the store in feast preparations!
Fashion Sustainability: Why The Industry Needs To Change
Jul 31, 2022
Fashion is one area where we often overlook sustainability. With each new trend comes a mass of garments put into landfill. Shoppers will buy new outfits for every event, and keeping up with the latest styles can be difficult to do on a budget.
With a rise in fast fashion outlets, we manufacture clothes at rapid speeds in factories worldwide. The process of pumping out new garments has a harmful effect on the environment at multiple levels. From greenhouse emissions to microplastic pollution, there are many reasons why we need sustainable fashion now more than ever.
Environmental Effects of Fast Fashion
1. Non-renewable Fabric Sources
Most fast fashion clothing is made from plastic, with over 60% of garments containing polyester. These fabric materials use fossil fuels for production. Fossil fuels are not only a finite resource, but burning these fuels can lead to air pollution and emit harmful gasses that contribute to global warming.
The fashion industry is responsible for an estimated 10% of all carbon emissions. This is not only through the burning of fossil fuels in production, but also transporting goods. Manufacturers ship garments by boat and plane round the clock to meet consumer demand without thinking about fashion sustainability.
2. Water Consumption and Pollution
The fashion industry uses around 93 billion cubic meters of water each year. Growing natural fibers and dyeing fabrics use the most water. Where these processes need to be fast to keep up with demand, little consideration is given to water consumption.
What's more, fabric dye uses chemicals that are toxic to the environment, and factories dump these into surrounding water sources. As companies make most clothes in India and Asia, the local governments overlook environmental damage in favor of bringing income to the area.
Even in the US, washing synthetic clothes causes them to shed microplastics which contaminate water sources.
3. Textile Waste
Around 85% of textiles end up in landfill. As fast fashion pumps out cheap garments, these clothes damage easily. Torn or stained clothes lead people to throw them away as the garments are no longer suitable for donation. It doesn’t even cross the minds of many consumers to recycle fabrics.
Synthetic fabrics can take thousands of years to decompose in landfill and, even then, they degrade into microplastics that often end up in the ocean. Landfill will burn a lot of fabric waste, leading to more harmful carbon emissions.
How to Drive Fashion Sustainability
Whilst we need change most at the manufacturing level, consumers and clothing brands can also help drive fashion sustainability in the following ways:
1. Buy fewer, higher-quality garments
Higher quality clothes last longer, which means less waste in landfill. Instead of following cheap trends, consumers can purchase timeless garments that will last for years.
2. Recycle clothing that cannot be donated
If an item of clothing is ...
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