Should Companies Stop Giving Out Promotional Freebies in the Name of Sustainability?

Julie Starr • July 27, 2024

It’s absolutely fantastic that the world is finally becoming more eco-conscious, in fact, nowadays, there are even more tradeshows out there, and what’s not to love there? But one thing that usually goes with trade shows or any industry related even would be giving out freebies, right? 

Well, the idea of giving out promotional freebies might seem a bit old-fashioned. With everyone pushing for sustainability, isn’t it time we ditch those giveaway gimmicks?

Well, not so fast. While it’s true that we need to be mindful of our environmental impact, there's still room for freebies if we rethink our approach. Yes, you read that right. People love freebies, and companies love to give out freebies, and it’s the best way to attract visitors to your stand. So, with that all said, let’s dive into why it’s perfectly okay to still hand out those goodies, but with a sustainable twist.


The Magic of Promotional Items

Promotional items are like the secret sauce of marketing. They’re those little tokens that keep your brand at the top of your mind. So, just go ahead and imagine walking through a busy trade show – what catches your eye? That’s right, a cool freebie! For basically everyone, it’s going to be a cool freebie! These items have a magical way of drawing people in and sparking conversations. They’re not just random handouts; they’re brand ambassadors in disguise.

Seriously, just go ahead and think about it: a thoughtfully chosen freebie can make a lasting impression. It’s not just about the item itself but the positive association it creates with your brand. 

The trick is to ensure that these freebies are not just eye-catching but also useful and relevant to your audience. However, the key is to find a supplier that has good stuff, stuff that people want, and unique promotional materials that people want to own and want to sport around.


No One Wants Junk

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room – those tacky plastic keychains, stress balls, and other bits and bobs that nobody really wants. They’re the culprits behind the negative reputation of promotional items. These trinkets often end up in the bin, contributing to our ever-growing waste problem. Not exactly a good look for a company trying to stay relevant in the sustainability era, right?

So, you really need to keep in mind that consumers today are savvy. They care about the planet and are quick to judge brands that don’t seem to share their values. So, if you’re handing out cheap, throwaway items can backfire, making your company look out of touch and environmentally irresponsible.


It’s About Being Smarter and Greener

So, what’s the solution? It’s simple – don’t ditch the freebies, just make them smarter and greener. It was mentioned earlier, but it’s about finding the right supplier that provides sustainable products that people specifically want to own. So, with that all said, the key is to offer items that people will actually use and appreciate, and that won’t harm the planet. This approach shows that your brand is innovative, thoughtful, and committed to sustainability.

Consider this: instead of a stress ball, why not hand out a sleek, reusable water bottle? Everyone needs to stay hydrated, and a stylish bottle can be a daily companion, constantly reminding the user of your brand. 

Or how about a set of eco-friendly bamboo cutlery? Perfect for those who lunch on the go and want to avoid single-use plastics. These are just ideas, but they help the environment overall.

By Julie Starr May 5, 2025
As the world continues to prioritize environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals, a new technological movement is quietly reshaping how companies communicate their sustainability efforts: Web3. Web3—the next evolution of the internet built on decentralized technologies like blockchain—offers powerful new tools for ESG storytelling. At Taiga Company, we believe Web3 represents a transformational opportunity to enhance digital transparency, expand decentralized sustainability initiatives, and bring fresh credibility to corporate ESG communications. Web3 Unlocks Digital Transparency for ESG In an era where stakeholders expect greater accountability, Web3 provides an immutable, verifiable way to share ESG metrics. Blockchain technology enables companies to record sustainability data—such as carbon tracking, water usage, or supply chain emissions—directly on decentralized ledgers. This creates a new level of digital transparency that can bolster trust with investors, customers, and regulators. At Taiga Company, we help businesses translate these complex technical capabilities into clear, accessible communications. Our services bridge the gap between advanced Web3 solutions and everyday ESG storytelling , making decentralized reporting meaningful to broader audiences. Decentralized Sustainability and Regenerative Finance (ReFi) Beyond transparency, Web3 is giving rise to decentralized sustainability models. Projects in regenerative finance (ReFi) are using blockchain tools to incentivize environmental restoration, carbon sequestration, and climate-positive activities. These initiatives align with emerging ESG expectations that go beyond ‘do no harm’ and focus on regenerative impact. We work with companies to integrate these new paradigms into their sustainability narratives—highlighting how innovative approaches like ReFi contribute to broader environmental goals, align with ESG criteria, and showcase leadership in a rapidly changing landscape. A New Era for ESG Storytelling Traditional ESG reports often feel static, data-heavy, and disconnected from stakeholders. Web3 offers a dynamic, participatory model where audiences can engage with real-time sustainability data, track progress directly, and even contribute to decentralized initiatives. Our services specialize in creating communications that reflect this evolution. By combining our expertise in sustainability strategy with a growing understanding of Web3 trends, we help organizations: Translate decentralized sustainability efforts into compelling, credible stories Align carbon tracking and digital transparency initiatives with stakeholder expectations Position ESG leadership within the emerging Web3 economy The Path Forward Web3 won't replace traditional ESG frameworks, but it will significantly enhance them. Companies that start integrating decentralized transparency, carbon tracking, and regenerative finance into their sustainability communications today will be better positioned for tomorrow's expectations.  Ready to evolve your ESG communications for the Web3 era? Let's connect.
By Julie Starr May 5, 2025
As the world continues to prioritize environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals, a new technological movement is quietly reshaping how companies communicate their sustainability efforts: Web3. Web3—the next evolution of the internet built on decentralized technologies like blockchain—offers powerful new tools for ESG storytelling. At Taiga Company, we believe Web3 represents a transformational opportunity to enhance digital transparency, expand decentralized sustainability initiatives, and bring fresh credibility to corporate ESG communications. Web3 Unlocks Digital Transparency for ESG In an era where stakeholders expect greater accountability, Web3 provides an immutable, verifiable way to share ESG metrics. Blockchain technology enables companies to record sustainability data—such as carbon tracking, water usage, or supply chain emissions—directly on decentralized ledgers. This creates a new level of digital transparency that can bolster trust with investors, customers, and regulators. At Taiga Company, we help businesses translate these complex technical capabilities into clear, accessible communications. Our services bridge the gap between advanced Web3 solutions and everyday ESG storytelling , making decentralized reporting meaningful to broader audiences. Decentralized Sustainability and Regenerative Finance (ReFi) Beyond transparency, Web3 is giving rise to decentralized sustainability models. Projects in regenerative finance (ReFi) are using blockchain tools to incentivize environmental restoration, carbon sequestration, and climate-positive activities. These initiatives align with emerging ESG expectations that go beyond ‘do no harm’ and focus on regenerative impact. We work with companies to integrate these new paradigms into their sustainability narratives—highlighting how innovative approaches like ReFi contribute to broader environmental goals, align with ESG criteria, and showcase leadership in a rapidly changing landscape. A New Era for ESG Storytelling Traditional ESG reports often feel static, data-heavy, and disconnected from stakeholders. Web3 offers a dynamic, participatory model where audiences can engage with real-time sustainability data, track progress directly, and even contribute to decentralized initiatives. Our services specialize in creating communications that reflect this evolution. By combining our expertise in sustainability strategy with a growing understanding of Web3 trends, we help organizations: Translate decentralized sustainability efforts into compelling, credible stories Align carbon tracking and digital transparency initiatives with stakeholder expectations Position ESG leadership within the emerging Web3 economy The Path Forward Web3 won't replace traditional ESG frameworks, but it will significantly enhance them. Companies that start integrating decentralized transparency, carbon tracking, and regenerative finance into their sustainability communications today will be better positioned for tomorrow's expectations.  Ready to evolve your ESG communications for the Web3 era? Let's connect.