Does anyone know of any (reasonably) sustainable give-aways that could be used as PROMPTS for engaging youth in pro-environmental behaviours? I know this would depend somewhat on the particular behaviour we're addressing, but I'm thinking something generic that could be applied across the board. We're looking for something relatively inexpensive for when teachers request give-aways, but we're reticent to purchase anything that will end up in the landfill or junk-drawer. Ideas? Thanks in advance!
Rebecca McQuaid
Program Officer
Education and Engagement Unit, Environment Canada
Canada
Prompting Pro-Environmental Behaviours
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Try www.tonydoom.com . They're from Marshall, Minnesota. I'm not sure if they ship internationally.
Norm Ruttan
President
iWasteNot Systems
Canada
www.iwastenotsystems.com
Oops. I hadn't looked at their website, which isn't anything like the Green Catalog' that I picked up at the Minnestoa Recycling Conference this yar.
I should have indicated to ask for their 'Green Catalog". 70 pages of environmentally friendly products. Everything from Eart-Safe Journal Book, to Wood USB Drives to environmentally friendly plantable paper, to "seeded music download cards".
Norm Ruttan
President
iWasteNot Systems
Canada
www.iwastenotsystems.com
Rebecca:
For the educational programs I manage and coordinate, we have had success with native-wildflower seeds packaged in small recycleable envelopes as give aways. It seems adults and youth alike pick them up off the table - and I rarely have a single packet left after an event. We do give instructions for planting and ask that people only plant them at their home - not scatter them about. We buy from our local native plant society.
Lesa Johnston
Outdoor Education Coordinator
CA Department of Fish and Game
United States
I have given away pedometers at sustainable events. They encourage people to walk instead of taking elevators, driving etc by counting their footsteps. AND it is an electronic gadget which kids love. Another great one is a shower timer.
Donna Pastway
Manager, Project Development for Energy Conservation
VIP Energy Services Inc.
Canada
We give students pencils made from currency and pencils made from blue jeans - both are big hits with the kids, but the blue jean pencil offers us a chance to get them to think of donating clothing, even some that isn't fit for resale, as it can be recycled.
We also give away frisbees that are made from milk jugs and laundry bottles - but they have win these as they are more expensive. They are printed with our website and a reminder to recycle.
Marta Keane
Recycling Specialist
Will County
United States
I was involved in a program several years ago aimed at increasing awareness related to American Badgers in Ontario and most importantly encouraging the public to report sightings. Amongst other initiatives(including baseball caps, posters, public service annoucement, magnets set out in mass mailing (10 000 residents in hotspot area for AMBA), we developed two types of ipod covers partly to see which was the most popular. Interestingly most ecologists did not support the anthropomorphic / cartoon versions but these were OVERWHELMINGLY the most popular with high school to undergraduate students. Attached are samples...
Kate
Kate Hayes
Savanta Inc.
Canada
Hi Robert:
One other thought that I have been mulling for several years but never pursued is a series of temporary tattoos - my thought centered around species at risk but I think that it could be expanded to incorporate other messaging. In my experience, younger children anyway love tattoos and stickers.
Just a thought...
Kate
Kate Hayes
Savanta Inc.
Canada
Can someone please provide vendor contact for ipod skins?
Catherine Allin
Industrial Waste Inspector
City of Millbrae WPCP
United States
ci.millbrae.ca.us
We used the following company but I should note that I hired an artist to develop both designs (actually two separate artists - let me know if you want their contact information). Anyway, the company was FANTASTIC and provided substantial discount as an 'in-kind' donation.
www.gelaskins.com
I dealt with Drew Downs - [email protected] - and he was extremely helpful. Feel free to use my name.
Good luck
Kate
Kate Hayes
Savanta Inc.
Canada
www.savanta.ca
musicskins is one that I've used and it fits many ipod and similar varieties
Maggie Clarke
Maggie Clarke Environmental
United States
www.maggieclarkeenvironmental.com
...
We try and give away items that encourage a sustainable behavior--such as a reusable water bottle (with waste reduction reminders) or pens made from recycled tires or currency, again with a message on them. I personally like the water bottles since so many students use them at school. You can purchase bike bottles made from recycled milk jugs.
Jennifer Howell
Triangle Associates
United States