Purchasing

• Always prioritize eco-friendly or socially sustainable options.
• Get an accurate count for merchandise to avoid extras.
• If apparel is involved, always get individuals’ sizes ahead of time.
• When appropriate, don’t date the item or brand it with event specifics so that any extras can be used in the future.
• Swag items should be useful, with minimal to no chance of sitting on a shelf or going straight into a waste bin.
• Certain common giveaways can be made greener simply by choosing a particular material or manufacturing process. For example:
  • Water bottles should be aluminum or steel, not plastic.
  • Choose natural fibers (cotton, linen, wool) over synthetics such as nylon or polyester

Consider these questions when thinking about if you should purchase swag, and if so, what kind:

• Is swag necessary to achieve your goals?
• Does this item fall under the category of “things people already have and don’t really need more of”?
• Where and by whom were the materials of this product made?
• What is the quality and lifespan of this particular item?
• Will people actually use this?
• Will it promote thoughtful consumption? Is the item useful or likely to end up at the back of a drawer or in the trash?
• What happens to the swag at the end of its life? How will it be disposed of?

Going from highest priority to lowest priority (1 to 5):

1. Experiences (Avoid items)
   1. An experience rather than an item.
   2. Examples: repair station, how-to booth, photo booth, or gift card/ticket
2. Upcycle/Reuse
   1. Upcycle/reuse booth.
   2. Examples: decorate and reuse existing flowerpots, host a clothing swap, or tie-dye old shirts
3. Useful and Ethical
   1. If purchasing new, consider durable products that recipients will use and that come from trusted sources.
   2. Examples: water bottles or towels
4. Useful or Ethical
   1. Try to buy products that are at least useful or ethical.
   2. Goods that are made from recycled, compostable, or repurposed material.
   3. Examples: plants or LED lights
5. Useless and Questionable 
   1. Try to avoid single-use plastic or plastic-wrapped items.
   2. Avoid items with wires, a microchip, or a battery.
   3. Examples: candy, small electronics, balloons, or USB drives

Food

• If providing food (including packaged foods), consider choosing:
  • Fair Trade, USDA Organic, or other third-party sustainability certifications.
  • Locally grown/produced foods and products.
  • Vegan or vegetarian options as they tend to have lower carbon and nitrogen footprints.

Special Events 

• Swag for a specific event:
  • Order items without dates printed on them so they can be reused for annual events and don’t become outdated.
  • Who is receiving the item(s)? Do they have a choice to opt in or out to receive it?
  • Request or require RSVPs to gauge attendance and prevent overbuying of materials.