Choosing the Right CSR Merchandise for Your Program

Choosing the “right” (“right” can be open for interpretation) merchandise for your Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program is a big contributor to reinforcing your company’s values, program goals and your program making that positive impact you are seeking. The best CSR merchandise should align with your program’s goals, resonate with your employees, and promote sustainability and social responsibility.

First, let’s start with principles. Your merchandise selection should align to these principles in consideration:

• Eco-friendly and sustainably sourced

• Locally (or domestically) available where possible

• Connect to the cause areas (or UN SDGs) your CSR program supports

• Focus on higher quality items this avoids throw away items and landfill

Do not let perfect get in the way of progress. If the ideal product does not exist, then be prepared to compromise.

Now, let’s talk about products. In the work we do with GoodMvmt clients, here are some CSR merchandise options to consider:

Eco-Friendly Products

Reusable Bags: Made from sustainable materials like organic cotton or recycled plastic, these promote environmental consciousness and reduce single-use plastic. These can also carry your branding.

Bamboo Utensils and Straws: These are biodegradable and offer a practical alternative to plastic utensils.

Recycled Material Products: Items like notebooks, pens, or water bottles made from recycled materials help reduce waste and promote recycling.

Solar-Powered Gadgets: Solar-powered phone chargers or lanterns emphasize your commitment to renewable energy.

Health and Wellness Items

While Health and Wellness is not necessarily in most companies CSR mission, they frequently are combined in physical challenges and other wellness initiatives.

Reusable Water Bottles: Promotes hydration and reduces plastic waste, especially if made from stainless steel or glass. Again, great branding idea for your Impact brand.

Fitness Gear: Branded yoga mats, resistance bands, or gym towels encourage a healthy lifestyle.

Socially Responsible Apparel

Organic Cotton T-Shirts: T-shirts made from organic cotton or other sustainable fabrics support eco-friendly practices and can be branded with messages that align with your CSR goals.

Fair Trade Clothing: Apparel that ensures fair wages and ethical production practices helps promote social justice.

Recycled Polyester Jackets: Apparel made from recycled materials like PET bottles highlights your environmental responsibility.

Tech Accessories

Sustainable Phone Cases: Cases made from biodegradable materials or recycled plastics.

Eco-Friendly Chargers: Chargers made from sustainable materials or powered by renewable energy sources like solar.

Cause-Specific Merchandise

Each company has their own focused cause areas. Each of those focused areas make a perfect opportunity to bring specific merchandise to support.

Pink Ribbon Products: Items supporting breast cancer awareness, such as ribbons, pins, or apparel, directly link to specific causes.

Pride Merchandise: Rainbow-themed items supporting LGBTQ+ causes demonstrate your commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Plastic Free July: Provide employees with the opportunity to learn about plastic free options for regular household items. Check out the goodMvmt Zero waste store for inspiration.

Choosing the right CSR merchandise not only enhances your program’s effectiveness but also strengthens your brand’s commitment to making a positive impact on the world. GoodMvmt merchandising team can help you bring together your CSR merchandise with your program goals. Let us know how we can help, or schedule a call to learn more about GoodMvmt for Business.