Green Giveaways Guide

Do you plan events at Swarthmore? Do you link to give away swag? Many options for giveaway items are not very sustainable and end up being thrown away, rather than re-used, recycled, or composted. This guide is designed to provide some considerations and sustainable options when purchasing swag for your next event!

Key considerations when selecting a vendor:

  1. Research brands and products you plan to buy. Assess their environmental and social practices, sustainability ratings, and certifications such as the ones listed on the following page. 
  2. Consider purchasing from local, small, and minority-owned vendors to reduce transportation emissions and support local communities.
  3. Select vendors that are transparent about their sustainability products, including their supply cain, labor practices, and environmental impact. 
  4. Check for eco-friendly packaging options, such as biodegradable, compostable, or refillable, to minimize waste. Purchasing items in bulk is also worth considering. 

Key certifications when selecting a vendor:

*This is not an exclusive list of certifications.

So you’re planning a giveaway? Let’s make it sustainable! We’ve put together a list of swag options that you may consider for your next giveaway. These can serve as a starting point, and you can reach out to zerowaste@swarthmore.edu as you identify new sustainable items. Please note that the items listed below are suggestions only and not sponsored by the College. 

Giveaway Item Ideas

The image depicts a cardboard box next to 5 seed pencils and a sticker that says 'plant a tree'

Plantable Pencils

Ex: Sprout’s 4-pack

The image depicts 4 blooming lollipops surrounded by florals

Blooming Lollipops

Ex: Amborella Organics 4-pack

The image depicts a white water bottle with Swarthmore themed drawings wrapped around the surface. Next to the bottle is a flat image of the images on the bottle.

Reusable Water Bottle

Ex: Julia Swarthmore Art Bottle

The image depicts five glass straws in a variety of colors standing parallel in al ine

Glass or Metal Straws

Ex: Zero Waste Store 5-pack

This image depicts stickers made of pressed flowers

Eco-Friendly Stickers

Ex: Etsy - Botanical Flower Stickers

This image depicts a tray of a variety of succulents

Plant Giveaway

Ex: Potted Mini Succulents. 25-pack

This image depicts a white spiral notebook with a blue line drawing of a scene of wildlife in the Everglades

Pocket Sized Notebook

Ex: Decomposition notebooks

This image depicts a pink/orange silicon bag with a few nuts inside and a few nuts on the surface next to it, as if to show they spilled out a bit

Reusable Silicone Sandwich Bag

Ex: Zero Waste Store Stasher Bags

This image depicts a stack of three folded beeswax wraps, which are cotton rectangles coated in beeswax, in three different sizes and designs. All are bright blue floral themes.

Beeswax Wraps

Ex: Nothing Fancy 3-pack

This image depicts green fauna and flora with the edge of a wooden log bridge

Arboretum Tickets

Ex: Morris Arboretum, Chanticleer Garden, or Longwood Gardens

This image depicts a tan colored bucket with a handle and a lid on a white background

Countertop Compost Bin

Ex: Zero Waste Store Bamboo Fiber Composter

This image depicts a set of materials to help someone start their zero waste journey: a countertop compost bin and a box of compost bin liners

Zero Waste Starter Kit

Ex: Zero Waste Store

Have fun! If you have any questions or need assistance in planning a sustainable event, please reach out to: sustainability@swarthmore.edu