One of the great concerns with the production and distribution of promotional items is the vast quantities of fossil fuels and other non-renewable resources that are used to make these items. Tons of plastic are expended on this endeavor, and while it is a worthwhile effort to promote businesses and organizations, the use of plastic—a petroleum based substance—is a serious concern for those who manufacture, buy and distribute these items. In addition, paper for these products is made from trees, which are a renewable resource, but which are being depleted faster than the trees are being renewed.

Therefore, it pays to be environmentally aware and to make the effort to promote environmental awareness in your business practices, including your promotions. Fortunately, there are many ways to do this without compromising your marketing strategy.

Wind powered toys and objects

Wind powered objects are one of the best sources of environmentally responsible objects. There are dozens of wind powered toys and other objects that can be imprinted with your company's logo or contact information. Wind power is one of the cutting edges of environmentally friendly energy, but it can also be harnessed toward your business needs.

One type of wind powered toy is a wind sock. These are often used outside businesses to call attention to sales or other special events. They come in people-shaped constructions that are supported and blown in the wind, making comical shapes and attracting people's attention as they walk or drive by. Smaller wind socks can also be hung outside homes, and decorative and colorful wind socks can be custom made in your company's colors to be displayed outside your business or distributed to your custoemrs.

Other wind powered toys include model airplanes which can have your contact information printed across the wings. These can be inexpensive wooden planes that are fun to play with, but still get your logo out there with every toss. You can also consider kites, which have a large area for printing your business information, and which kids and adults will clamor to get from you. Flags are also wind powered and can also serve to draw attention to your business. They can be planted outside your building to mark the path toward your door, or they can display the colors or logo of your business.

Other environmentally conscious promotional items

Your company can put out any sort of item that actively promotes care for the environment, and have your company promoted at the same time. Your items can encourage “going green,” “recycling,” or “Earth Day,” demonstrating your commitment to the care of the earth, but also have your logo displayed on these items. These items can be almost anything that you would normally use for promotions, such as stress balls, pens, bracelets, hats, water bottles, etc. They can do double duty as environmental cheerleaders and business promoters, giving a good impression and getting your name and logo out there.