Earth Day is just as much a celebration as a call to action.

Given the current climate change crisis, it’s time for your business to take a stand and embrace sustainability, inspiring employees to take your lead.

The simplest and most effective way to build an eco-friendly workforce is to celebrate Earth Day yearly and offer sustainable giveaways.

However, finding high-quality, budget-friendly swag that reflects your brand’s commitment to the planet can be challenging.

That’s why we’ve curated 15 thoughtful swag ideas to impact your team and the environment positively.

We’ll also share some exceptional Earth Day gift ideas and tell you about our green swag-on-demand shops.

Let’s jump right in!

Table of Contents

What Is Earth Day and Why Is It Important?

What Are the Best Earth Day Giveaways for an Eco-Friendly Workforce?

How Does SwagDrop’s Swag-On-Demand Shop Help You With Earth Day Giveaways?

How to Choose the Best Sustainable Gifts for Earth Day?

What Are Other Earth Day Gifts Beyond Promotional Products?

What Is Earth Day and Why Is It Important?

Earth Day is a global phenomenon, celebrated annually on April 22. It inspires millions of people to take action for a healthier, more sustainable world.

This worldwide event dates back to 1970 when US Senator Gaylord Nelson started a grassroots movement to raise environmental awareness.

Nowadays, Earth Day is a key business date, offering companies an opportunity to lead by example.

An organization that makes eco-conscious choices can reduce its environmental footprint and inspire employees and customers to do the same.

Likewise, more and more clients and employees want to partner with green-minded organizations, so participating in Earth Day is also smart for business.

Now, let’s explore some cool and eco-friendly gifts that can motivate your workforce to embrace sustainability.

What Are the Best Earth Day Giveaways for an Eco-Friendly Workforce?

Using our clients’ eye-opening feedback and our extensive promotional products experience, we’ve rounded up 15 impactful gift ideas for you.

Check out our stylish and practical eco-friendly products that will help you build an environmentally responsible workforce.

1. Oriole Drawstring Bag

The Oriole drawstring bag is made of 100% recycled 210D polyester, repurposing plastic water bottles to reduce waste.

Moreover, 1% of each sale is donated to environmental non-profits, contributing to global sustainability efforts.

Why we recommend it: Employees can use this drawstring to carry their essentials, keep toiletries organized while traveling, or store their vehicle first aid kits.

2. Recycled Cotton Twill Grocery Tote

Teach your staff about the value of using recycled materials with a tote bag made of pre-consumer waste generated by factories during the fabric cutting process.

This reusable tote also reduces single-use plastic bag waste by offering ample storage space for all your groceries.

Why we recommend it: You can boost employee engagement by filling this tote bag with eco-friendly coasters, drinkware, and office supplies, as well as Earth Day educational materials.

3. Crossbody Recycled Messenger Bag

Equip employees for success with a messenger bag featuring durable, lightweight, waterproof, 100% recycled Polyester Ripstop.

This office-ready bag offers a secure laptop compartment and an organizational pocket for every-day essentials.

Why we recommend it: A stylish and sustainable bag like this will definitely inspire team members to brag about it to their friends, spreading your Earth Day message.

4. Herschel Eco Retreat Laptop Backpack

The Hershel backpack is manufactured from 100% recycled materials from the liner to the label, making it a top-notch sustainable promo product.

This branded backpack offers recipients more room for their laptop and office supplies and a more comfortable carrying solution than the messenger bag. 

Why we recommend it: Staff members can also use this elegant backpack while traveling for work or pleasure, exposing your brand to the world.

5. THE GOODS Recycled Roll Duffle Bag

Educate employees about sustainable travel practices and offer them an eco-friendly duffle bag to accompany them.

The Goods bag’s fabric, lining, and webbing are all made of recycled PET plastic bottles.

Why we recommend it: This travel promotional item is excellent for weekend gateways due to its large main compartment with a U-shaped top opening and multiple zippered pockets.

6. Arctic Zone Repreve Recycled Six Can Lunch Cooler

The Arctic Zone lunch cooler featuring Repreve exterior materials can inspire team members to live more sustainable and healthy lives.

REPREVE is the only traceable and certifiable eco-performance polyester manufactured from recycled plastic bottles worldwide.

Why we recommend it: This lunch bag keeps the employee’s food cool and safe thanks to its high-density thermal insulation and leakproof lining.

7. Bamboo Fiber Lunch Box with Cutting Board Lid

Bamboo is one of the most environmentally friendly materials because it’s fast-growing, 100% recyclable, and biodegradable.

The best feature of this sustainable branded product is the bamboo lid that doubles as a cutting board.

Why we recommend it: You can create a meaningful Earth Day gift set by pairing this lunch box with our eco-friendly lunch cooler.

8. Sona RPET Reusable Bottle

Encourage your workforce to stop using disposable plastic bottles by offering them an eco-friendly reusable bottle.

The minimalist Sona bottle is manufactured from recycled PET and features an FSC-certified bamboo lid.

Why we recommend it: Research conducted by the Container Recycling Institute shows that Americans throw away over 60 million plastic water bottles every day.

9. Thor Eco-Friendly Straw Tumbler

Another sustainable alternative to single-use plastic bottles is the reusable, stainless steel, custom tumbler.

The straw, handle, splash-proof lid, and lightweight interior liner of this sleek tumbler are all made of 100% recycled food-grade plastic.

Why we recommend it: The double wall insulation of this drinkware keeps beverages cold for four hours and hot for two hours, encouraging long-term hydration.

10. CamelBak Eco-Hydrobak

The CamelBak hydration pack promotes corporate wellness and environmental responsibility by inspiring your team to take up cycling.

This promotional fitness product features a waterless dyed lining and a recycled poly airmesh back panel, as well as a 1.5L water reservoir for staying hydrated while cycling.

Why we recommend it: According to a 2021 research study, cyclists generate 84% less CO2 emissions than non-cyclists during their daily travels .

11. FSC Mix Pocket Spiral Notebook with Pen

Given that paper accounts for 26% of landfill waste and 50% of business waste, it’s time to take action.

Start by equipping staff members with eco-friendly office supplies, like this branded notebook including FSC-certified, soy-based ink lined paper.

Why we recommend it: Employees can use this compact notebook to take notes while you give them a crash course in paper recycling.

You should also consider switching to more sustainable alternatives in the office, such as recycled paper, kraft sticky notes, and seed paper greeting cards and bookmarks.

12. Tentree Organic Cotton Cable Blanket

The Tentree custom blanket is made of eco-friendly organic cotton, offering warmth and comfort to employees while sitting by a camp fire or cozying up on their couch.

With each purchase, Tentree plants trees to restore ecosystems, absorb carbon, and create job opportunities in communities across the globe.

Why we recommend it: Elizabeth Wimbush, PPAI Director of Sustainability and Responsibility, says that: “[Organic cotton] doesn’t create pollution like the microplastics that polyester materials shed throughout their life and, at the end of its lifecycle, it can biodegrade, while any kind of performance or blended material cannot.”

13. FSC 100% Bamboo 5000 mAh Wireless Power Bank

This might come as a surprise, but even tech swag can be eco-friendly.

This high-tech power bank that doubles as a wireless charging pad is made of 100% bamboo and comes in a FSC-certified premium gift box.

Why we recommend it: Thanks to its 5000 mAh battery capacity, this device will keep your staff’s gadgets powered throughout the day even if they forget their chargers at home.

14. Recycled ABS Whammo 2 Bluetooth Speaker

Make Earth Day fun and engaging with a Bluetooth speaker partially made from recycled ABS plastic.

Our eco-friendly speaker offers premium sound, a four-hour battery life at maximum volume, and a built-in microphone.

Why we recommend it: This promo item’s compact size allows employees to listen to their favorite tunes wherever they go while also reminding them to be more eco-conscious.

15. Recycled Auto Open Umbrella

An eco-friendly umbrella demonstrates your company’s commitment to employee well-being and global sustainability.

This trendy umbrella is made of recycled polyester and features a 46” canopy, offering ample rain protection.

Why we recommend it: Recipients can fold the umbrella into a compact size and pack it away in the FSC-certified pouch.

Next, we’ll show you how our eco-friendly swag-on-demand shops take the hassle out of Earth Day giveaways.

How Does SwagDrop’s Swag-On-Demand Shop Help You With Earth Day Giveaways?

Meet our innovative swag-on-demand shops that make employee gift-giving stress-free and eco-friendly in more ways than one.

Let’s take a closer look at each of these exceptional features.

1. Reduce waste by eliminating bulk orders

Bulk ordering swag often leads to overproduction and excess inventory, resulting in unnecessary waste.

Our on-demand model solves this problem by producing only what your team members want in their preferred sizes and colors.

Therefore, you can offer high-quality, eco-friendly products without contributing to landfill waste.

2. Offer sustainable promotional products without storage concerns

You can forget about finding warehouse space and dealing with inventory headaches.

Your virtual Earth Day gift store doesn’t require physical stock, and we don’t charge inventory or fulfilment fees.

Employees receive the corporate gifts they choose directly, eliminating the need for bulk storage and reducing the environmental impact.

3. Ensure timely delivery for Earth Day events

We ship all the sustainable giveaways directly to your team members’ doorsteps, anywhere in the continental USA, for only $9.95 per recipient.

Moreover, we’ll send each worker order and shipping confirmations via email and their order tracking number so they know when to expect their swag.

Rest assured that your employee gifts will arrive in time since we only work with reliable and experienced parcel delivery services.

4. Customize Earth Day gifts with ease

Sustainability doesn’t mean sacrificing personalization.

Our swag-on-demand shops let you customize eco-friendly gifts with the logo artwork you upload and change the text color to match the product.

The best part is that some of our products even allow employees to personalize them with their name or a short message, creating a more memorable experience.

Now that you know how to simplify Earth Day gifting, let’s explore how to pick the perfect sustainable swag.

How to Choose the Best Sustainable Gifts for Earth Day?

Finding the perfect Earth Day gifts involves more than just picking random eco-friendly promotional items.

You should also make thoughtful, impactful choices that align with your brand’s values, mission, and the latest corporate gifting trends.

Here’s how to select the best swag for a green celebration.

Consider sustainability over convenience

Opt for high-quality, reusable, or biodegradable items from organic cotton, bamboo, or recycled PET.

These gift options reduce waste and promote long-term sustainability, making them a better choice than single-use or low-quality alternatives.

Look for ethical sourcing and certifications

Reinforce your company’s commitment to social and environmental responsibility by supporting fair labor practices and sustainable manufacturing.

Look for promo items with certifications like Fair Trade, FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), or GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard).

These certifications ensure ethical sourcing and environmentally responsible production.

Align swag choices with brand values

Earth Day swag should reflect your company’s mission and industry.

For instance, a tech company can opt for wireless charging mouse pads made from biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable cork.

On the other hand, a healthcare business can offer reusable water bottles that reduce plastic waste and encourage hydration.

In other words, if you want to create a meaningful impact, you must choose promotional gifts that resonate with your brand and employees.

Keep reading to discover some exceptional ways to celebrate Earth Day.

What Are Other Earth Day Gifts Beyond Promotional Products?

Think outside the box and celebrate Earth Day with meaningful gift alternatives that make a lasting environmental impact.

Here are some extraordinary ideas that go beyond traditional eco-friendly company swag.

Donate to an environmental cause in employees’ names

A meaningful way to honor Earth Day is to donate to organizations that protect the planet. 

Consider contributing to groups like the World Wildlife Fund, Natura 2000, or The Conservation Fund in your employees’ names.

This generous gesture demonstrates that your company supports environmental efforts and is committed to making a real change.

Provide digital rewards with a sustainability focus

Offer team members carbon credits, e-gift cards for sustainable brands, or access to online sustainability courses. 

These employee rewards reduce physical waste and encourage workers to adopt a greener lifestyle in their everyday lives.

Offer experience-based Earth Day gifts

Organize volunteer events to plant trees or sustainability workshops to engage employees in hands-on environmental actions.

We recommend handing out branded Earth Day t-shirts or hoodies at these events to create a sense of unity and pride among your workforce.

Adam Seguin, Founder and CEO of Myrtle Beach Home Buyers, shared his experience with us:

“Our team organized a tree planting event, which brought us closer and furthered our sustainability efforts, as we combined fun with making a difference. By participating in our green initiatives, employees see their actions directly benefit the environment, creating a sense of accomplishment and unity.”

Give out seed packets for employees to plant

Encourage employees to grow something green with wildflower, herb, or tree seed packets. 

This simple Earth Day gift idea allows team members to contribute to biodiversity and enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of gardening.

Encourage sustainable habits with challenges and incentives

Make Earth Day interactive by launching a workplace sustainability challenge, such as reducing plastic waste, tracking carbon footprints, or biking to work. 

Offer sustainable corporate gifts to encourage participation and inspire long-term eco-friendly habits.

Balázs Keszthelyi, CEO of TechnoLynx, told us that:

“One effective approach was the introduction of a month-long challenge where employees were encouraged to reduce their carbon footprint. We provided incentives such as recognition in our monthly newsletter and small rewards for those who participated actively. For example, one of our teams initiated a carpool system that not only reduced emissions but also strengthened team bonds.”

Now, over to you!

Over to You!

Celebrating Earth Day with sustainable swag proves your company’s commitment to eco-friendly values and practices while inspiring employees to live greener lives.

Pair these corporate gifts with other green initiatives or experiences and you’ll start to make a real difference for our planet.

Browse our SwagDrop shop for more outstanding eco-friendly gift ideas to make Earth Day truly memorable.