There was a time when we just couldn’t get enough stuff – and many didn’t give too much thought to where it came from. However, with an awareness of climate change that has gone beyond ‘increasing’ and moved to ‘impossible to ignore’, younger people are no longer taken in by flashy, mass-produced products that don’t serve a purpose way into the future.
If you’re in an industry that advertises to young people using merchandise, this is a shift that it’s better to get to grips with sooner rather than later.
Why is the way we advertise to young people changing?
The demonstrable ethics of a business have not only become more important as corporations come under environmental scrutiny, but they’ve become much more available too. It doesn’t take much to ‘out’ a brand on social media for practices that are unkind to the environment, their staff, or even their customers, with shareable content ripping around the world like wildfire.
This is how Corporate Responsibility Policies have come to be. These are put together by businesses to outline their commitment to making the world a better place. This can include sustainability pledges, and compliance with associated employee and environment laws and legislation.
Whilst Corporate Responsibility Policies are a must for modern businesses, we all know actions speak louder than words. Even the promotion of your products or services should align with the values you’ve outlined in your CRP; and if there’s an emphasis on sustainability, the goodies you offer should reflect this too.
Environmentally friendly promotional products
If you’re looking to get your name out there with eco-friendly promo products that draw a younger audience, it’s worth carefully considering the type of products you invest it, what they’re made out of, and what could happen to them once they’re no longer wanted.
Reusable drinkware
Perhaps the most obvious choice is branded reusable cups, bottles and flasks. Single use water bottles and coffee cups are a bugbear of many, and Beyond Plastics have suggested that ‘using a reusable water bottle, you could prevent an average of 156 plastic bottles annually’.
Tote bags
Granted, you can use a carrier bag a couple of times, nothing beats a trusty tote, transporting everything from grocery shopping to the things you need for a day at the office. Branded nicely, a tote bag with your business on it could be seen on the street, the tube, and by family and friends.
Baseball cap
A baseball cap is a cool and stylish accessory that many people, especially young ones, love to wear. It’s not just for baseball games—these caps are perfect for adding a sporty touch to any outfit. They come in all sorts of colors and designs, often featuring logos of favorite teams, brands, or fun graphics. Plus, they’re super practical, keeping the sun out of your eyes while showing off your personal style. For custom, high-quality options, 4inbandana offers a fantastic selection of baseball caps that let you express your individuality. Whether you’re heading to a game, hanging out with friends, or just enjoying a sunny day, a baseball cap is a must-have!
Recyclable paper products
Whilst it may seem like young people are glued to their phones 24/7, many are shunning round-the-clock screen time by getting back to basics with a paper and pen. Just look how journaling has become popular! A notebook is a traditional promotional product that is bought into the 21st century by being recyclable, or even compostable.
Recycled products
You’d be surprised at what can be made from other things these days; from laptop sleeves to clothing, promoting your business on a fine example of recycling can demonstrate your commitment to the environment, and appeal to younger people are the same time.
Tech
Believe it or not, it’s possible to get eco-friendly tech in the sense that they can be made from natural materials like bamboo and reused again and again. Wireless charging pads, speakers, power banks and phone stands are all items that can sport eco-credentials as well as your branding.