Urban Earth Graphics LLC Presents:
30 DAYS OF EARTH DAY: New eco-friendly products and ideas updated daily during the month of April
Refresh this page if needed!
Women's Relaxed Scoop neck Triblend Tee by Allmade
Made with recycled polyester from water bottles, organic cotton, and modal. Allmade utilizes alternative energy, carbon off-setting, fair labor practices, less water consumption, and don't be fooled - all this also happens to make a super comfy tee!
Reduced Plastic Wheat Straw Smiley Pens
Not your average pen, made of 50% wheat straw and 50% blended ABS plastic. Click-action ballpoint pen with smiley face, tie-shaped clip, mop-top microfiber "hair" with a touch-screen stylus on the tip of the pen. Available in cheerful spring colors, custom printable with your company logo on the barrel. Minimum order starts at 250 pens.
Made in USA Ceramic Mugs
Reduce, Reuse: Not plastic and not a cheap throw-away item!
Custom printed ceramic mugs are easily one of the most popular promotional items and has been for decades, but for our clients who like to do things a little different, going the extra mile for American Made will make for a much more meaningful gift.
Dozens of shapes, sizes and glazes including the "speckle" glaze shown above, these mugs are both decorated AND made in the USA, not imported from China!
Be sure to let us know if you are interested in more American made promotional products for your business, we'll source them for you!
Eco-Friendly Line-Up by Adidas
Looking for higher-quality eco-friendly athletic apparel or a different take on your corporate look? Try these on trend styles by Adidas with your logo custom embroidered. All polyester made from recycled plastics, as of 2024 has eliminated virgin polyester completely.
Check out our Adidas catalog:
Cotopaxi Backpacks
Here is a newly popular retail brand repurposing nylon scraps into delightful backpacks and fanny packs (yes, they are back!). Each bag is a unique combination of colors, expect to be surprised! Lightweight, stowable/packable - great for day trips to the trails, gym, or school.
Check out the cotopaxi bags here:
Bring your own reusable food storage containers!
Here's one of my favorite waste reduction tips born out of attempting to stuff styrofoam take-out containers into a motorcycle backpack; bring your own reusable food containers when dining out! Reduces waste, saves the restaurant a little money, and keeps your chana masala intact.
Pictured above is the 36oz collapsible bowl by Stojo - dishwasher safe and BPA-free. BPS-free polypropylene lid, clasps and ring. No phthalates, leads or glues. Low 12 piece minimums for customizations!
Speaking of food, check out the International Taste Festival at the New York State Fairgrounds (April 6th, 2024) and bring your own food container and utensils!
WRAP certified production with eco fabrics by Charles River Apparel
Based out of New England, this apparel manufacturer makes the cut for our Earth Day theme! Excellent quality jackets, vests, and fleece made with US sourced premium cotton, polyester make from US sourced recycled plastics, and jacket insulation made from only synthetic recycled materials.
Factories are WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production) certified to help insure more ethical working conditions. Visit wrapcompliance.org for more information.
Check out Charles River Apparel's eco line-up:
Ocean Bottle and the Recycling of Ocean Bound Plastics
Of course we'll need to include reusable water bottles, but this small start-up has given over $4.6 million (as of 12/2023) to plastic collection projects around the world to help stem the tide of ocean plastic and support livelihoods in coastal communities. Developed out of Norway, Ocean Bottles are reusable (of course), double wall vacuum insulated, main body is 90% recycled steel, top cap/cub BPA free PET plastic, bottom plate 100% recycled ocean-bound plastic, 10 year warranty, B-Corp certified...
If you are looking for a bottle that makes a statement, this is it!
Read up on Ocean Bottle:
We'll donate your used eclipse glasses!
Drop off your used eclipse glasses to Urban Earth Graphics, 139 Ball Cir, Syracuse NY and we'll donate them to the Astronomers Without Borders recycling program that will distribute them to children in Latin America for their coming October 2024 eclipse!
We are open Monday-Friday 9am to 5pm - stop in and pet the dogs or drop the glasses in our mailbox after hours.
Don't just throw them out - for glasses that are scratched or damaged, dispose of the lenses and recycle the paper frames.
Oeko-Tex Certified Rain Jackets by Independent Trading
Not sure about PFAs? For safer waterproofing, try Oeko-Tex certified products. PFAs, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, aka "forever chemicals" are commonly used in textile coatings for their water repellent properties and have been found in items from jackets to water resistant sweatshirts to sports bras.
According to Oeko-Tex.com, they have "issued a general ban on PFAS in textiles, leather, apparel and footwear. This applies to product class 1 as of April 2023. The transition phase for the product classes ends in 2024."
Here is a link to the Coach's jacket by Independent Trading: This product meets OEKO-Tex Standard 100, and is also WRAP certified! (See day 7)
The "EcoMax" Eco-Friendly Recycled Unisex Tee by Bella+Canvas
New style, not new materials!
Light weight, super soft 65/35 recycled polyester/recycled Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton (did we mention SOFT!?). Runs slightly fitted.
From the manufacturer: "Our 100% recycled Unisex EcoMax Short Sleeve Tee repurposes waste into something new... Crafted from a blend of recycled Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton scraps and recycled plastic bottles to make polyester, this tee is 100% recycled from fabric to thread. By infusing color into melted recycled polyester and using pre-dyed cotton scraps, we create colored yarn without water, conserving valuable resources."
Bella+Canvas has long been a supporter of fair labor practices as well, and it's factories are WRAP certified (see day 7!).
Great eco-friendly product and not as expensive as you might think! (Only currently offered in black, white, or navy.) Ask us about how to get a lighter, softer screen-print to compliment this super soft BellaCanvas tee.
LEAD-FREE Recycled Insulated Tumblers
I didn't pick this one because it has a color named "Tofu"... but this eco-friendly Klean Kanteen Eco Rise 16oz Tumbler is also pretty rad!
The manufacturer is also B-Corp certified, climate neutral certified, and partners with 1% For the Planet (an excellent Earth Day topic for another day!).
Designed to withstand the daily grind with a non-toxic scratch resistant finish, sweat proof, spill proof and a cool oversize "Flip Lid."
According to Klean Kantene "All Klean Kanteen products are lead-free. Instead of using lead-based products, Klean Kanteen opts to use silica/glass plugs to create its vacuum-insulated vessels—a material that is six to seven times more expensive than the lead-based alternatives but aligns more closely with our values to protect people and the planet." Tofu is cool too.
Food Access Healthy Neighborhoods Now!
We are big fans of Rhonda Vesey's work to bring a grocery store back to our North Valley community in Syracuse. She is currently running an excellent winter indoor farmers market with Brady Farm - be sure to check it out!
And check out the FAHNN market currently running every other Saturday at the former TOPS plaza, 4141 South Salina St, Syracuse NY, 13205!
Bamboo Pens
Touted as a sustainable renewable resource, consider alternative promotional products made of bamboo. Fast growing without the use of pesticides, bamboo is also a hardy material, and of course biodegradable.
Consider promotional productions made of bamboo for an attractive alternative!
Shown above is bamboo with chrome accents ballpoint pen, also available with a stylus. This manufacturer also partners with 1% For The Planet (more on that tomorrow!).
Environmental Stewardship
Businesses donate 1% (or more) of their profits to this organization that in turn supports environmental efforts around the globe. Here is a quick list of apparel and promotional product manufacturers that support this program! Here are some quick highlights among the many suppliers we use at Urban Earth Graphics:
- Buff - donating proceeds from just one neckware style, but they are also B-Corp certified and just excellent.
- ChicoBag - packable totes
- Cotopaxi (see day 5 above) - recycled backpacks
- Eco Vessel - drinkware
Econscious- organic tees and totes (their membership has lapsed as of 2024)- Klean Kanteen (see day 12 above!) - lead free drinkware
- Miir - premium mugs and bags
- Oxo - kitchen utensils. Not that popular for promotional items (we do have some), but they once warrantied a small part on our coffee grinder. Being able to repair rather than dispose is great in my book.
- Patagonia - of course...
- Polyconcept North America's "EcoSmart" and "ProudPath" lines, including yesterday's bamboo pen
- Recover - brand new line, see day 20!
- Storm Creek (eco-collection) - high quality apparel, jackets - we'll be featuring them later this week!
- Vantage Apparel - just their "earthwise" collection, assorted polos, button up shirts, etc.
Topo Backpacks
Topo is not currently a member of 1% For The Planet, but our wholesaler is! Creatively designed, Topo brand backpacks might fit the bill if you are looking for higher-quality, unique promotion!
Not overly large or masculine, recycled nylon, some talk of fair labor practices (no certifications yet that I've seen), but of their product lines "82% feature organic or recycled materials, and are free of harmful chemicals. By 2025, we will hit 100%" according to the manufacturer's website.
Add your logo embroidered, front and center!
Custom Seed Packets
Inexpensive and fun, promotional seed packets are an excellent promotional idea for community organizations, educators, family events, even wedding favors!.
Locally made in New York State, a great compact promo that doesn't involve any waste (the paper packet is recyclable). Easily dispersed at events or mailed to individuals if needed.
Choose from a large selection of vegetable seeds, herbs, or flowers including wildflower mixes that attract butterflies and other pollinators, or even hummingbirds!
Storm Creek Apparel
Eco Friendly outdoor apparel by Storm Creek: Certified Woman Owned, member 1 Percent for the Planet, recycled materials, higher quality customizable apparel.
Excellent options for embroidery, check out our catalog link below!
Bamboo Tees by Onno
If you have been waiting for a way different tee, here it is! Surprisingly silky, these shirts are 70% viscose from organic bamboo, 30% organic cotton. Lightweight, earthy colors, slight worn look. Men's and women's options. Women's runs slightly small.
Says the owner: "I’ve personally sourced the yarn used to make ONNO t-shirts. Our yarns are somewhat eco-friendly. I say ‘somewhat’ because our GOTS certified organic cotton for example, still requires a significant amount of water to grow. Even though it’s organic, it’s not perfect. It is, however, better than conventional cotton – which requires lots of pesticides that end up in our rivers and soil. This in turn wreaks havoc on our environment. For example, I think the disappearance of honey bees is linked to the use of these pesticides. Using sustainable fibers helps move things in the right direction."
Brand New Brand: Recover
Recover: Brand new brand launch as of this week! 100% recycled materials, vertically manufactured within a 10 mile radius in El Salvador - from recycled fiber to finished product. Unique colors with no additional dyes or additives: color comes from upcycled cotton scraps using 99 percent less water than conventional dyed shirts.
Lightweight, very soft 60/40 recycled cotton/recycled polyester. Brand is claiming carbon neutral manufacturing run by 50% renewable energy. Holds an OEKO-TEX Organic Cotton Certification and meets OEKO-TEX Standard 100, and member 1% for the planet! (See Day 15)
Line includes unisex/mens, womens, youth, toddler t-shirts as well as sweatshirts and button down shirts.
Local Compost
We can't have Earth Day without mentioning compost! If you can't produce enought compost with your own kitchen waste, we highly recommend OCCRA's locally made compost!
Excellent quality, and third party tested U.S. Composting Council certified. (We are all about the certifications this month!)
Learn more about home composting here:
Free Urban Trees
Happy Earth Day! You've heard about the value of trees for both your home and community, but planting a new tree might be easier than you think!
Grab some compost (day 21) and check out these plugs for free trees for residents within the city of Syracuse:
Other communities may have their own tree services, check with your parks and recreation department.
Photographed above is an American Linden tree from the ReLeaf program planted last fall, just starting to bud this spring! Hopefully it will outgrow our dog...
Eco Embroidery Thread
Says the manufacturer "...one of the most eco-responsible threads in the world" - new embroidery thread made of 100% Lyocell fibers (a type of rayon, a type of plant). They also claim low waste and extremely efficient manufacturing - that 99% of water and solvents are reused.
You will immediately notice just how soft this thread is compared to our traditional polyester thread! Samples available for existing clients.
An additional note, all of our embroidery threads (eco and poly) are Oeko-Tex certified.
Royal Apparel - Made in NY
I've listed a lot of t-shirts here for Earth Day ideas, but here's the first one made in USA - even made in NY!
Several options including men's and women's v-necks, triblends, 50/50 blends, and sweatshirts. Tip: women's tees run VERY small.
Pictured above is the women's scoop neck, v-neck, and pullover crew styles.
Bagito Eco Bags
Of course we're going to mention reusable grocery totes! Here's one of our top favorite promos for 2024 - the Bagito bag!
Made of 100 percent rPET recycled plastic while eliminating the need for single use plastics. Each bag stuffs down into a small sack, making it an easy promo to take everywhere in your pocket or purse! This company donates a portion of their sales to their sister non-profit Power2Sustain.org that teaches environmental sustainability to K-12 students.
Bagito is also B-Corp Certified, and makes more way cool alternative promotional items (ask us)!
Earth month tip: reusable bags aren't just for the grocery store! Take them with you for all your local errands.
And as a general tip for promotional bags, although they are very utilitarian and everyone should be using them, by 2024 most people are probably pretty saturated in "reusable" bags. Forget the cheaper bags that rip or get thrown out after a couple uses, remember your want your branded items to be around for the duration!
Don't Spray the Bees!
So far we've jumped from American manufacturing (day 3), to global activism (day 15) and concern over ocean plastics (day 8) - but let's not forget the importance of supporting local efforts as well!
Syracuse Honey caught my attention - they humanely extract honey bees from infested homes and construction sites, then relocate them to professionally managed apiaries throughout Onondaga County - turning a destructive blight into productive members of our community!
Here's a link to some sweet information on local honey production and bee relocation:
As well as an excellent write-up on identifying honey bees vs wasps, hornets, etc:
Native honey bees are crucial to our eco system and food production (including pollinating my two pepper plants).
Earth month tip: try "No Mow May" - avoid mowing your lawn for the month of May to allow for more food and better habitat for bees and other pollinators. This campaign is so popular, some of my neighbors practice it all summer long!
Support Local Farms
A few years back I came across a flyer for a local CSA program and after my sister said "I'll split it with you," I was hooked!
Community Supported Agriculture is an excellent way to both support local farms, eat healthier, and learn more about fresh, seasonal produce!
For most CSA programs there is an initial membership fee, and you receive scheduled shares during the growing season. The membership helps farmers offset the initial springtime start-up costs, and in turn you get access to some of the most delicious veggies!
Our tip - try splitting your share with a friend or neighbor, and be prepared to try new things! Also, many CSA programs sell out by early Spring, start your search early in the year!
Here are a couple quick links to CSA programs near us:
Not in Syracuse? Google "find a farm near me" or ask around at your local farmer's market for CSA recommendations!
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Woman owned and operated since 2013
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