Green Products Now Made of Recycled Coconuts, Bike Chains and Even Litter

ASI issues hot list of eco-friendly products for Earth Day

TREVOSE, PA – April 20, 2011 – Creative use of recycled materials highlight the 2011 list of hottest Earth Day promotional products released today by the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI).

Recycled paper turned into coolers, bike chains crafted into picture frames, billboards made into bags and garden litter transformed into journals prove imagination rules this year’s Earth Day, according to a list of creative giveaways found in ASI’s product database.

“Green products are no longer confined to the ‘crunchy’ set. Now, they’re being sold in mega-stores like Walmart and Home Depot and companies are using them as promotional giveaways to make sure their brand is associated with a commitment to the environment,” said Timothy M. Andrews, ASI president and CEO.

Products made from renewable resources like bamboo continue to gain momentum, says Andrews. Bamboo, one of the fastest-growing plants on the planet, grows up to four feet a day, and is 100% biodegradable. Click here to watch a YouTube demo of the products.

ASI’s Earth Day Hot List:

Bike chain picture frame handmade in India in a workshop sponsored by Noah’s Ark, an NGO that offers funding for raw materials, machines and workshop repairs to 100 artisan groups across India. Employees paid fair wages and work in safe and clean conditions. From Helping Hand Rewards.

Netbook/iPad bag made from recycled PET, the plastic used to make soda bottles, allows high tech companies to hop on the eco-friendly bandwagon. From East India Natural Goods.

Flip-flops made from recycled coconut fibers and recycled rubber. Great for spas, resorts and beach destinations exhibiting at any eco event. From Neet Feet.

Cooler made from recycled paper/cardboard. Pack it with refreshments to hand out at a local Earth Day event. Can be reused. From Recycool Inc.

Planter can with seeds and soil packet allows user to grow herbs inside. Neat giveaway for schools and great item for offices. From Points of Light Inc.

Serving utensils made from bamboo. Farmers’ markets that sell organically and locally grown produce can use as a gift with purchase. From Bay State Specialty Co.

Every litter bit helps journals handmade by a family of artisans in Bali who collect garden materials to create the covers and make paper using a kitchen blender. The family also employs women and older members of the community can work from home. From Helping Hand Rewards.

Bags made from recycled billboard and banner material, so banners from a local Earth Day event can be recycled into bags to be given out at the following year’s event or sent to event sponsors afterwards. From Landes Inc.

Colander made of bamboo. Serving trays and bowls also available. Perfect for companies in the food industry. From Aunt Beth’s Cookie Keepers.

T-shirt made from 50/50 mix of cotton and recycled polyester. Event organizers can use as a mass giveaway or sell them for a profit. From Anvil Knitwear Inc.

Polo made from polyester and bamboo lets Earth Day event staffers stay cool and dry in a moisture wicking shirt. From Skins Game.

Ad specialties like tee shirts, caps, pens, mugs and high-tech electronics are used by virtually every business and organization in America to promote everything from a new store opening and hot new product to a Super Bowl win and even the U.S. census. Companies spent $17.4 billion on promotional products in 2010 – an average $56.13 on each person in the U.S.

A recent landmark study from ASI proves ad specialties beat out prime-time TV, radio and print advertising as the most cost-effective advertising medium available.

About ASI The Advertising Specialty Institute is the largest education, media and marketing organization serving the advertising specialty industry, with a membership of over 26,000 distributor firms (sellers) and supplier firms (manufacturers) of advertising specialties. Visit ASI at www.asicentral.com and on Facebook, Twitter , LinkedIn, YouTube and the CEO’s blog.