California’s Recycling Woes: Finding the Best Long-Lasting Promotional Products
California has always been known as one of the greenest states in the nation. However, recently the state has been faced with a recycling crisis due to the closure of many recycling centers, making it difficult for Californians to recycle.
At Eco Promotional Products, many of our products are made from recycled material or are recyclable. We encourage customers to recycle packaging and recycle products at the end of their useful life. California organizations purchasing promotional products should now think beyond the recyclability of promotional items and instead think about the lifespan of a product and choose long-lasting promotional products.
Because of their low price point and their load capacity, non-woven polypropylene bags are some of the most popular bags on the market today. Reusable bags are especially popular in California with the state’s numerous plastic bag bans. However, because several of these bags are about 80gsm in weight, used frequently and with heavy capacities, they tend to show signs of wear and tear. Heavier weight polypropylene, such as 100gsm, will last quite a bit longer.
While non-woven polypropylene bags are recyclable, they are not always accepted in curbside recycling programs. With the closure of California recycling centers, these bags may now be more difficult to recycle in California. If keeping waste out of landfills is a top priority for your organization (as we hope it is for all of our customers), consider investing in longer-lasting bags. Rip-stop nylon foldaway and RuMe bags are extremely durable and made in socially responsible factories. The medium RuMe tote is well priced, holds up to 50 pounds and is machine washable. These high quality, long-lasting bags will be used for years, eliminating the need for more frequent replacements and the resources to produce them.
Like bags, reusable water bottles come in a range of price points. Plastics are typically less expensive and are often recyclable. With California’s recycling challenges, long-lasting aluminum, stainless steel or glass bottles are a better choice. Glass bottles can be repeatedly washed in the dishwasher while maintaining shape, durability and cleanliness. In a state that has water restrictions in times of drought, the ability to wash glass bottles in the dishwasher will also help conserve water.
Tech and desktop promotional items, like this eco-friendly bamboo desktop organizer, also have long shelf lives, keeping your organization’s message in front of the recipient for years. Other promotional products that are designed to last a lifetime are Coleman coolers, Maglite flashlights and Zippo Binoculars. When planning your next promotional campaign, consider the usefulness and lifespan of the products you are considering. A useful, well-made promotional product will give many years of good service and not end up in a landfill.