Square or Round Hole?

Sustainability, eco friendly, environmental foot print… these words whirl around us almost daily, but what do they mean? Why do they matter?

Every time I am at Starbucks and need to throw something away, I am met with confusion.  Really?  It seems like it should be the simplest task and something we do without using our brain or even being aware.

We all make choices frequently throughout our days, but I never imagined the dilemma over which basket to hit.  Landfill… Recycle… Compost… Floor…  How am I to know if the plastic cup can be recycled, or if the paper cup is truly for recycling? Better yet: how about the cream cheese container with a plastic bottom and foil top.  Sure, there are little unrecognizable icons on the top of each hole, but do they match the disposable item well enough to know?

Why do I even think of these things?  

I want to be responsible and do what is right. Not just at the waste container but all day and every day in all I do. 

• How does this relate to you when it comes to selecting corporate merchandise and the solutions you create? 
• Is the product made from recycled materials?
• What is the carbon footprint? Is it low?
• Is water consumption monitored?
• Do they use sustainable components that don’t destroy environments? 
• Does some of the money you spend on merchandise go back to help others or rejuvenate rain forests? 
• Where do you start?

We’ve taken the guess work away!

Lean on us.  We are a resource for you as you build your merchandise solutions and select products.  Our experts will direct you to ensure your selections meet your sustainability, function, impact and messaging goals.  Here’s what we know.

Big change begins with small steps!

Internal Strategies for Sustainability

We work to manage our energy, water and waste systems for maximum efficiency and minimal adverse impact.

Our environmentally responsible footprint to reduce our impact on the environment includes:

• Offer a broad range of eco-friendly products to our customers
  • t-shirts from recycled cotton
  • pens manufactured from recycled post consumer plastic
  • wheat products
• Partner with decorators who utilize eco- friendly printing inks
• Utilize reduced energy lighting in our warehouse and offices
• Manage office and warehouse climate control with “smart” appliances

Because we know it takes an ongoing commitment, we continuously look for ways to make our operations, office spaces and procedures environmentally efficient.

Strategic Partnering for Sustainability

We build global partnerships the same way we build client partnerships – by establishing a relationship built on mutually understood goals and objectives.

Commitment To Safety

Above all, we are committed to safety.

A safe and socially compliant supply chain is maintained in order to ensure that our company’s values – and yours – are represented in our sourcing decisions.  We vet our suppliers according to their focus on quality control processes with direct attention to safety, compliance, testing, and environmental issues.  Not only do they have quality products, but they adhere to rigorous social compliance standards and global operating principles. 

Champions of the environment!

In other words, our suppliers are champions of the environment, committed to a greener workplace and an efficient supply chain!  They are continuously evaluating their process in order to

• Reduce energy consumption
• Conserve water
• Reduce waste

In addition to demonstrating comprehensive compliance to these standards, many, if not most, are committed to making an impact in their communities all over the world in a variety of ways (charitable giving / volunteering within local communities and give back programs).  Many suppliers are even offering products with a “higher purpose” to showcase their commitments to the “greater good”. 

The Shared Value Opportunity

There is a sweet spot where doing good and doing well overlap. This is important to us. Because of this, we operate in this zone. As a purpose led organization, we focus on being agents of change to move beyond corporate responsibility to social responsibility.

Sourcing Decisions

We make sourcing decisions based on our commitment to maintain a safe and socially compliant supply chain. For this reason, the factories we deal with do not exploit employees, employ children or use forced labor. Wages, benefits and working conditions exceed all applicable laws and regulatory requirements.

Community Support

PCi supports our local communities through corporate and personal charitable giving and volunteerism.

Together We Are Better

Alone we can do little, but together we have can have a great impact world wide. We understand that delivering on the promise of focusing on a shared value is a collaborative effort.

As a result, when you work with us, you help build a sustainable world.

About the Author

David Poger, CEO/President PCi, Brander & Engineer with a Passion for Family Time, Living, Skiing, Yoga & Meditation