EPP and the Fight for HIV/AIDS

Here at Eco Promotional Products we have many causes that are near and dear to our hearts including the fight for HIV/AIDS.  Most recently one of our own has chosen to support someone raising money for this cause:

Eco Promotional Products, Inc.’s account manager, Michelle Carvalho, is raising money to help support the fight against AIDS and HIV.  AIDS/LifeCycle is an organization that coordinates a 7-day bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles to raise money and awareness against HIV/AIDS.  Michelle Carvalho will be donating a percentage of her sales, and Eco Promotional Products, Inc. will match her amount for the month of March specifically supporting Jarrod Rondeau towards his first LifeCycle goal.  Jarrod’s goal is to raise $3000, help the cause by donating and join us in supporting Jarrod!

If you are able, please help Jarrod in his LifeCycle to help raise awarness for HIV/AIDS.

CSR Practitioner Training Event

The Centre for Sustainability is hosting its next Certified Sustainability (CSR) Practitioner Training (IEMA Approved) in Chicago March 8-9 at the Hotel Monaco. 

Our very own Michelle Sheldon will be speaking at this event sharing the value of sustainability to all who attend.  The CSR training is a global perspective on the frameworks and best practices for Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainability. 

Taken from their flyer, all who attend will:

Gain advanced knowledge and learn to use a comprehensive approach to create effective strategies and reports Maintaining high levels of confidence among organizational stakeholders Learn how Sustainability can form a strong business case Undergo interactive exercises with a diverse pool of participants Become globally recognized as a Certified Sustainability (CSR) Practitioner This will be a great, learning event!

Green Valentine’s Gift Ideas

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner.  Thinking of what to buy for a loved one is difficult to do – especially if it has to be perfect.  This year why not make that perfect item a green item. 

There are plenty of websites and on-line stores that offer goods that are environmentally friendly, USA made or fair traded.  For example, when picking a card to go along with a gift why not opt for an eco- friendly seeded card. The card is able to be planted after it is read. Another option is a unique fold-out card.  Made in Bangladesh, this card provides jobs to the rural women of that country.  These gifts offer a little more for your money but still provide a thoughtful Valentine’s Day gift.

Other great items are jute wine totes, USA made jewelry and chocolate .  Whether going to a party or spending time with a loved one make it eco-friendly by carrying it in a reusable wine tote.  This offers a trendy way to carry wine when on-the-go. If going the food and jewelry route, make sure you know where your products are coming from.  Ask questions and find out where your jewelry and chocolate are being made.

Make this year an eco-friendly Valentine’s Day.  Use these tips and share with us some that you have!

Green Shipping, the Future?

Using solar panels on ferries, barges and boats could change the face of shipping forever.  In Sydney and Shanghai “solar sail” technology is being used in ferry boats and the results have been decent.

Created by Solar Eagle, the technology used is similar to what hybrid cars use. Electricity made by the panels is stored in batteries and powers the ship when it comes to harbor.  Finally, when the ship goes to sea, diesel fuel begins being used.   

Solar Eagle has other ventures they are working on, as well, such as a trial with an Australian mining company to build ships with 130ft tall solar sails.  These ships would ship raw materials to China.   

 The future is bright for solar powered machines and for the environmentally friendly community.

Green Bride Guide Wedding Tour

The Green Bride Guide’s wedding tour is “a 10-stop bridal show experience designed to gain nationwide attention for the growing green wedding movement.” It may seem like a typical bridal tour with a twist but they are committed to being green because their booth is completely eco-friendly. 

The whimsical structure is handmade in the USA from eco-friendly materials.  The cardboard structure is cut and shaped into tree trunks and encases their booth making you forget where you are when you are in it. 

Eco Promotional Products, Inc. was able to partner with the Green Bride Guide and cobrand a high quality recycled cotton bag for their tour.  It was a privilege to work with them. 

 

Leave Your Shoes at the Door

Many Americans come home from a long day at work, walk into their house and relax.  The problem with that scenario is that many Americans walk into their homes with their shoes on. 

Before stepping inside your house a good habit is taking off your shoes.  Shoes carry germs and chemicals from everyday life; taking them off protects your home and keeps it clean. 

For example, when you go to the gas station then walk into your house with your shoes on, gasoline and filth from the gas station come into your kitchen and home – the places where you sleep and make food will be contaminated. 

When you walk into your home, leave your shoes at the door and put on a pair of comfy slippers – it’s the easiest way to go green.

Giving Back: GMIC and Cornerstone Community Outreach

Giving Back: GMIC and Cornerstone Community Outreach

The Green Meeting Industry Council (GMIC) got in to the holiday spirit by giving back to the community December 7 at Cornerstone Community Outreach in Chicago, IL. Cornerstone Community Outreach is a sustainable shelter dedicated to helping the homeless and serving the community.  GMIC along with other organizations helped pack shampoo, soap, conditioner and other necessities donated by local hotels.    The evening was filled with spreading holiday cheer to those less fortunate during a time of  year when giving back is so important.