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Top 9 Swag Bag Ideas for Eco-Friendly Corporate Giveaways

Have you been wondering how to promote your company or non-profit with swag bag items that don’t harm the earth? You’ve come to the right place for eco-friendly swag bag ideas and stylish event swag bags. 

From ethical green swag bag ideas to reusable tote bags, we’re here to help you and minimize your impact on our planet.

When planning a corporate event or donor event, your choice of branded swag can significantly impact your brand's image and environmental footprint. Our fun swag bag ideas are perfect promotional items for any event, whether it’s an outdoor festival or corporate conference.

Eco-friendly event swag bags, also known as goodie bags or gift bags, give you a unique opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to sustainability. That’s why Eco Promotional Products is here to share some innovative and sustainable swag bag ideas.

 

Reusable Gift Bag Items

1. Reusable Water Bottles

As we all know, single-use plastic bottles are a major contributor to environmental pollution. In fact, according to National Geographic, a whopping 91% of plastic isn’t recycled, and plastic bottles make up a significant portion of that waste. That’s where reusable water bottles come in.

Sustainably sourced reusable water bottles are fantastic eco-friendly swag bag ideas for corporate giveaways. Add our high-end water bottles to your gift bag, and you make a real impact toward sustainability. If you select a quality bottle, your recipients will want to use it, making it not only environmentally friendly but also practical and cost-effective.

Employees, clients, donors, volunteers, or event attendees will appreciate a gift bag they can use daily. Every time they refill their bottle, they’ll be reminded of your brand, making this a practical gift bag investment that will pay dividends long into the future.

recycled stainless steel water bottle handle lid (50 oz)

 

 

There are a variety of eco-friendly reusable water bottles available in the market today. But not all bottles are created equally. Here are a few options and suggestions for a variety of budgets, materials, and sustainable attributes. Select the right one for your gift bag and brand all items for maximum benefits.

  • Stainless Steel Bottles: These are durable, easy to clean, and can keep drinks hot or cold for hours. They’re also free from chemicals like BPA that are often found in plastic bottles. Finding a quality stainless steel bottle for various budgets is important.
  • Glass Bottles: These are a great option for those who prefer the purity of glass. They’re often also dishwasher safe and don’t retain flavors.
  • BPA-Free Plastic Bottles: These are lightweight and durable, making them perfect for on-the-go use. Check to make sure they are BPA-free and Prop. 65 compliant. 

When choosing a reusable water bottle for your corporate giveaway gift bag, consider factors like size, design, the ability to fit into a car cup holder, and the type of lid.

 

reusable glass water bottles (20 oz)

 

 

Custom Branded Recycled CamelBak Eddy

 

 

A bottle with a wide mouth might be preferred by those who like to add ice or fruit to their water, while a bottle with a built-in straw might be more convenient for those who are always on the move.

By choosing sustainable, reusable water bottles to add to your gift bag for corporate or non-profit giveaways, you’re promoting your brand while encouraging a more sustainable lifestyle. It’s a win-win situation!

NOT AS SPECIAL AS YOU THINK: Did you know that 25% of the bottled water you buy is actually just municipal tap water? It’s more sustainable, healthier, and cheaper to carry your own water rather than buy single-use water bottles.

 

2. Reusable Coffee Cups

Did you know that in the United States alone, we throw away an estimated 16 billion disposable cups out of the 500 billion used globally each year? That’s a lot of waste! And unfortunately, most of these cups can’t be recycled due to their plastic lining. But there’s a simple solution to this problem: reusable coffee cups.

Reusable coffee cups are an excellent addition to goodie bags for eco-friendly corporate and non-profit giveaways. They’re practical, long-lasting, stylish, and send a strong message about your company’s commitment to sustainability. Plus, they’re a gift that coffee lovers will certainly appreciate!

vacuum insulated stainless steel travel tumbler (17 oz)

 

Rather than go with the usual plastic cups, get something different for your event swag bags. There are several sustainable sought-after types of reusable coffee mugs & travel coffee tumblers available, including:

  • Insulated Stainless Steel Travel Cups: These travel tumbler coffee cups are perfect for keeping coffee and tea hot for hours. They’re also durable and come in a variety of sizes and colors. Easy and convenient to take to a coffee shop to reduce single-use cups and fill your own. 
  • Glass or Ceramic Coffee Cups: These cups and mugs are used and kept for years and years. They are stylish, practical, and one of the longest-lasting branded gifts.
  • Bamboo To-Go Coffee Cups: These earthware cups are lightweight and biodegradable. They’re a great option for those looking for a truly eco-friendly reusable custom branded gift choice.

When choosing a reusable coffee cup for your corporate giveaway, consider factors like size, lid type, and whether the cup is dishwasher safe.

bamboo fiber coffee tumbler (16 oz)

 

 

You might also want to think about the design of the cup and the user experience. Custom travel tumblers with your company logo are a great way to promote your brand every time someone takes a sip! 

By choosing reusable coffee mugs as one of your promotional items, you’re helping to reduce the number of disposable single-use cups that end up in landfills. It’s a small step, but every little bit helps when it comes to protecting our planet.

 

3. Sustainable Cotton Tote Bags

Plastic bags are a big environmental problem. According to research, Americans use an average of 365 plastic bags per person per year. That’s where organic cotton tote bags make a brilliant addition to your swag packs.

Organic cotton tote bags are a fantastic choice for eco-friendly corporate and non-profit giveaways and can double up as your gift bag for swag items. They’re practical, desirable, stylish, and send a strong message about your company’s commitment to sustainability. Plus, they’re a gift bag that everyone can use post-event!

organic cotton tote in different colors

 

 

cotton brunch tote with different designs

 

We aim to make a difference by offering our reusable tote bags, made of 100% natural cotton, as a sustainable alternative to event goodie bags. Fill these bags with other fun swag bag ideas, and you have a gift that speaks volumes about your company’s commitment to the environment.

The organic cotton we use is grown without the use of harmful pesticides and fertilizers, making these luxury swag bags a more sustainable choice than conventional cotton. It’s also biodegradable and compostable, unlike plastic bags which can take hundreds of years to decompose.

There are several styles of organic cotton tote bags to choose from, including:

  • Classic Tote Bags: Classic totes, such as the Organic Brunch Tote, are perfect for grocery shopping, carrying books, or as a daily purse. They’re durable, budget-friendly reusable tote bags and can be easily folded up and stored when not in use. 
  • Drawstring Bags: These recycled cotton bags are great for carrying gym clothes, packing for a day trip, or as a reusable produce bag. They’re lightweight and easy to carry.
  • Canvas Bags: These highly desirable cotton canvas bags are sturdy and can carry heavier items. For instance, the Library Bag can hold books, magazines, portfolios, or folders.

They’re also great for custom printing, incentive trips, and beach bags, making them perfect swag bag ideas for growing brand awareness.

The Organic Cotton Large Tote is made from 100% certified organic cotton, ensuring no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides were used in its production, promoting healthier agricultural practices.

Its lightweight, durable construction and spacious open main compartment make it one of the best goodie bags for carrying groceries, farmers market finds, and daily essentials.

With 1% of sales going to environmental non-profit organizations and a PETA-approved Vegan certification, this organic cotton tote exemplifies a comprehensive approach to eco-friendly and socially responsible corporate gifting.

On the other hand, the Cotton Brunch Tote is CPSIA-compliant, Prop. 65-compliant and a renewable resource.

When choosing an organic cotton and sustainable cotton tote bag for your corporate and non-profit giveaway, consider factors like budget, size, handle length, function, and color. You might also want to think about the design of the bag and branding options.

Our branded cotton totes with your company logo are fantastic swag bag ideas that help promote your brand whenever someone uses them.

recycled cotton canvas liberty drawstring goodie bag

 

 

The Organic Cotton Large Tote is made from 100% certified organic cotton, ensuring no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides were used in its production, promoting healthier agricultural practices.

By choosing a recycled cotton tote goodie bag as your corporate giveaway, you’re helping to reduce the number of plastic bags that end up in landfills. It’s a small step, but every little bit helps when it comes to protecting our planet.

A tote bag is easily customized, can double up as gym bags, and is always a favored addition to a swag pack. Other swag bag ideas made from cotton include cotton towels, face masks, and notebooks. Add them to your event gift bag to help make a difference.

PLASTIC BOTTLE INVASION: Did you know that the US throws away enough plastic bottles in a week to encircle the earth 5 times despite only making up 5% of the world’s total population? Our unique recycled PET goodie bags and other promotional items help combat this mess, one bottle at a time.

 

Items Made from Recycled or Sustainable Materials

4. Bamboo Utensil Sets

If you’re looking for swag bag ideas that are practical and eco-friendly, then bamboo utensil sets are a fantastic choice. These sets typically include a fork, knife, spoon, and sometimes even a pair of chopsticks and reusable straw. They’re lightweight, making them perfect for on-the-go meals, and they come in a handy carrying case for easy transport.

But the real beauty of these utensil sets lies in their environmental impact. Bamboo is a highly sustainable resource. It grows incredibly fast, with some species growing up to 3 feet in just 24 hours!

bamboo cutlery utensil set with cotton pouch

 

 

This rapid growth rate, combined with its ability to grow in a variety of climates, makes bamboo a great alternative to single-use plastic utensils, which can take hundreds of years to decompose.

Bamboo utensil sets are perfect swag bag ideas because they help promote your brand’s commitment to sustainability while being small enough to fit easily into any goodie bag. They can be customized with your company’s logo, serving as a constant reminder of your eco-friendly values.

Plus, bamboo items are a unique and useful addition to event swag bags that recipients are sure to appreciate and use regularly. 

So, if you’re planning your next corporate giveaway, consider bamboo utensil sets. They’re fun swag bag ideas that can make a big difference for our planet.

 

5. Recycled Notebooks

When it comes to eco-friendly corporate and non-profit giveaways, recycled notebooks are classic and highly desirable swag bag ideas. They’re practical, versatile, and send a clear message about your company’s commitment to sustainability.

Our recycled notebooks are made from post-consumer waste, which means they’re helping to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in our landfills. In fact, recycling just one ton of paper can save 17 trees, 7,000 gallons of water, and 3 cubic yards of landfill space. That’s a significant impact!

spiral notebook with recycled paper & pen set in different colors

 

 

But the benefits of recycled notebooks don’t stop there. They also require less energy to produce than notebooks made from virgin paper. This means they’re helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.

One of the great things about recycled notebooks is that they come in a variety of styles and sizes. Whether you’re looking for a small pocket-sized notebook for jotting down quick notes, or a larger notebook for more detailed note-taking, there’s a recycled notebook to suit your needs. 

Plus, they can be customized with your company’s logo, making them a great promotional item and a welcome addition to both economy and luxury swag bags.

So, if you’re planning your next corporate or non-profit giveaway, consider recycled notebooks among other swag bag ideas. They’re a practical, eco-friendly choice that recipients are sure to appreciate.

 

6. Eco-Friendly Pens

Pens are a staple in any swag pack, but why not take a step further and choose eco-friendly pens? We consider our eco-friendly custom pens among our best swag bag ideas because they’re versatile, affordable, and unique.

Our custom clicker pens are made from recycled materials or sustainable resources like bamboo, making them a great choice for companies looking to reduce their environmental impact.

Traditional plastic pens contribute to the growing problem of plastic waste. In fact, it’s estimated that 1.6 billion pens are thrown away in the U.S. each year. That’s a lot of plastic ending up in our landfills and oceans!

custom recycled milk carton pen for swag pack

 

 

Recycled Aluminum Pen with Bamboo Clicker

 

 

Eco-friendly pens, on the other hand, are designed with sustainability in mind. For example, pens made from recycled materials help to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in our landfills. They can be made from a variety of materials, including recycled plastic, paper, and even old denim! Many are refillable too. 

One of the great things about our eco-friendly pens is that they can be customized with your company’s logo. This not only promotes your brand but also sends a clear message about your commitment to sustainability.

In terms of performance, eco-friendly pens are just as reliable as traditional pens. They offer smooth writing and a comfortable grip, making them a pleasure to use.

The Prop. 65-compliant Recycled Aluminum Pen is made using 100% GRS-certified recycled aluminum and highly renewable bamboo. On the other hand, the Custom Recycled Milk Carton Pen is made from recycled plastic and is refillable. 

And for every order, Eco Promotional Products, Inc. plants a tree seedling on behalf of your organization. As you can see, eco-friendly pens are one of the practical swag bag ideas you can incorporate into your event goodie bag items.

For your next corporate giveaway, consider eco-friendly pens. They’re small items that can make a big difference for our planet.

PAPER BAG CRISIS: Did you know that on average, a single supermarket uses around 60,500,000 paper bags per year? That’s a crazy number, and that’s why small items like eco-friendly pens, reusable tote bags, and sustainable paper can make such a difference as part of branded swag for companies.

 

Items that Promote Sustainability

7. Solar Power Banks

As we continue to seek ways to reduce our carbon footprint, solar power banks have emerged as a fantastic eco-friendly corporate and non-profit giveaway. These useful tech gadgets harness the power of the sun to charge your electronic devices, reducing the need for electricity.

Solar power banks are not only eco-friendly, but they’re also incredibly practical. They’re perfect swag bag ideas for people who are always on the go, especially those who love outdoor activities like camping or hiking. With a solar power bank, you can charge your phone, tablet, or other devices without needing to find a power outlet.

solar power bank tech gadgets

 

 

What’s more, solar power banks are a great conversation starter. They’re still a relatively new concept to many people, so giving them away in a gift bag can spark discussions about renewable energy and sustainability.

At Eco Promotional Products we’ve learned that tech gadgets are always a popular addition to luxury swag bags.

The goal of eco-friendly corporate giveaways is not just to promote your brand, but also to encourage sustainable practices. By giving away solar power banks, you’re not only helping your clients and employees stay connected, but you’re also promoting the use of renewable energy.

 

8. Seed Paper Products

If you’re looking for truly unique and eco-friendly swag bag ideas for a corporate giveaway, seed paper products are a fantastic option. These innovative eco-friendly items are made from recycled paper embedded with domestically sourced sustainable seeds. Once the biodegradable paper is planted in the soil, the seeds grow into plants, leaving no waste behind.

Seed paper products come in a variety of forms, including business cards, bookmarks, greeting cards, recipe cards, and even calendars. They’re great swag bag ideas because they help to spread the message of sustainability while also contributing to new greenery, making them a gift that keeps on giving.

The types of seeds used can vary, but they’re typically wildflowers or herbs, which are easy to grow and beneficial for the environment. For example, wildflowers provide habitat and food for bees and other pollinators, while herbs can be used in cooking or for medicinal purposes.

mental health awareness bookmarks with plantable seed paper

 

 

Seed paper products are creative and eco-friendly swag bag ideas that can help promote your brand and improve your reputation for sustainability. They’re a tangible reminder of your company’s commitment to sustainability, and they give your clients and employees the opportunity to engage in a fun and rewarding activity.

 

9. Organic Cotton T-Shirts

When it comes to wearable corporate and non-profit giveaways, organic cotton t-shirts are a top choice. Not only are they practical and versatile, but they’re also a great way to showcase your company’s commitment to sustainability.

Since t-shirts are considered “standard” swag bag ideas, make yours truly unique by choosing high-quality, comfortable, and eco-friendly options.

women's tentree 100% organic cotton t-shirt

 

 

male and female models wearing adult Unisex t-shirts with environmental conservation messages

 

 

Unisex tentree 100% Organic Cotton T-Shirts

 

 

But the benefits of our organic cotton t-shirts go beyond their eco-friendly production. They’re also incredibly soft and comfortable to wear, and they’re durable, so they can withstand regular washing and wearing without losing their shape or feel.

Add them to your event swag bag ideas, and make a brilliant addition to promotional items such as eco-friendly branded caps and socks.

The Women’s tentree Organic Cotton T-shirt and Unisex tentree Organic T-shirt are part of the Cradle to Cradle Certified™ collection, meaning they can safely return to the earth once recipients are finished loving it. Through a partnership with 1% For The Planet, one percent of all Eco sales are donated to environmental nonprofits.

The biodegradable USA-Made Organic Cotton Adult Unisex T-Shirt is budget-friendly and made from certified organic cotton. For every order, no matter how small, Eco Promotional Products, Inc. plants a tree seedling on behalf of your organization.

By choosing organic cotton logo t-shirts for your corporate giveaways, you’re not only providing a useful and stylish gift, but you’re also supporting sustainable farming practices and reducing the environmental impact of the textile industry. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved!

The fast fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions. Organic cotton production has a lower carbon footprint, helping to combat climate change. Recycled materials and natural cotton are sustainable options for event swag bag ideas, t-shirts, and more while remaining true to the environment.

 

Goodie Bags for Everyone

So there you have it, folks! These eco-friendly swag bag ideas are not just great for promoting your brand, but they also help us take a step towards a more sustainable future. 

Every eco inspired gift bag you so generously present to event attendees, staff, donors, volunteers, and other team members will be appreciated so much more.

Let’s make our goodie bags count for something more. After all, every little bit helps in preserving our beautiful planet.