Flying the Flag

Continuing with our theme of love for February, we’d like to share some of the brands that light up our day and confirm our belief that you can place ethics at the core of your business without hampering your success and if done properly, enhancing it.

Triodos Bank – a bank that only invests in ethical and sustainable organisations that have a positive impact on people and the planet. And they’ll tell you exactly whom they are lending to. With confidence and trust in our banking system at an all time low it’s nice to know that there are organisations within this sector with an ethical mission that gives our money the chance to do some good rather than just paying some rather debateable bonuses!

Phillips - as a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, Philips links its sustainability and ethics programs with the company’s core strategy. Even more importantly, Philips grades its success by measurable results - by 2012, Philips aims to generate 30 percent of total revenue off Green Products, further increase energy efficiency of the company by 25 percent and double the company’s investment in Green Innovations.

Wholefoods – since launching in the 80’s they have become the world’s leader in natural and organic foods by staying true to their original commitments of seeking out the finest natural and organic foods available and supporting sustainable agriculture. Through their Whole Planet Foundation they aim to alleviate poverty by empowering a community of micro entrepreneurs.

Google – they may slowly be taking over the world but they are doing so without compromising their ethics and through Google.org - the company’s philanthropic arm, which uses the power of information and technology to address some of the world’s most challenging problems: Climate change, poverty, disasters and disease - they have committed over $75 million in investments and grants in various projects around the world.

GreenKnickers – these guys confirm you don’t need to be big to be successful and ethical. Their materials are certified and sustainable, they use recycled packaging materials and they make you think when you get dressed in the morning - GreenKnickers prove that ethical products can still be fun, beautiful and sexy!

These are a few of the brands that we love, who else should we be shouting about?

What Eco Products Do You Love?

As February is the month of love we thought we’d share some of the eco and ethical products that we love here at Re-Sourceful.

1. Green Knickers – as it’s Valentines, what better eco product than pants that are 100% recycled, 100% local and even have an organic cotton gusset! http://www.greenknickers.org/
2. Green Flower Pen – once the ink runs out, plant the biodegradable pen and a plant will grow. With every pen bought, we will give a donation to Tree Aid.
3. Elephant Poo Paper Roses – 12 odourless paper roses that will last longer than your normal Valentines flowers.
4. Banner bags – re-using old advertising hoardings and producing unique and stylish courier bags. You can even use your old hoardings left over from an event that were destined for landfill and turn them into something desirable.
5. Vinyl Record Bowl – retro bowls made from 12” vinyl records. Each bowl still carries the original label and looks pretty cool.
6. Green Bannerstand – exhibitions needn’t produce a whole host of waste. One way to cut down on the waste that you make is to use Eco Bannerstands that are recycled to begin with and 100% recyclable at the end of their use - and you can print all over them.
7. Eco USB Wristband – colourful and 100% recycled wristbands that provide the perfect place to store documents when on the move.
8. Hot Water Bottle Bag – reclaimed and unique, these bags will keep you warm on these cold February nights!
9. Circuit Board Business Card Holder – it’s cool, it’s stylish and re-uses materials that had nowhere else to go. What more could you want?
10. Fire Hose Belts – when fire hoses reach the end of the road for their primary purpose they used to go to landfill. Now though, they can be transformed into numerous cool accessories like this belt.

The world is full of great green products, and with business and promotional gifts the eco and ethical options available are growing all the time. At Re-Sourceful, we are always on the lookout for new and interesting green products to add to our range. Take a look at our site and see how we can help you communicate in a more resourceful way.

Please tell us about the eco products that you love – February is about all types of love after all.