Legacy of Sustainability: Engaging Alumni through Eco-Conscious Swag Initiatives

College can be such a fun time in a person’s life; full of possibilities, life-long friendships and love, and lasting memories you’ll cherish forever. But it can be equally exciting to visit your old stomping grounds as an alumnus and reminisce on those memories—maybe even make new ones! Being an alumnus and connecting with others who have had similar experiences can foster joy and also create the opportunity for networking in the future. In fact, 64% of members join an association in order to network with others in the field, according to the 2023 Membership Marketing Benchmarking Report by Marketing General Incorporated.

Engaging alumni and retaining that engagement, however, can be tricky. More than 90% of alumni organizations don’t offer alumni benefits, or they say there is little or no engagement from the benefits they do offer. But opt-out rates and poor engagement rates (especially among young alumni) show that institutions aren’t doing enough to support their alumni and entice them to join live or virtual fundraising and networking events. Since the goal of 62% of alumni organizations is to increase the number of alumni who engage, it would be advantageous to offer more value to alumni and to focus on what matters to them.

One of the most valuable benefits to alumni seems to be career networking and joining and building a community with other alumni. The job search doesn’t end with graduation. It can continue much later than that and reoccur numerous times in a person’s lifetime. So having a strong community you can turn to for advice, opportunities and career development is crucial.

But universities are not the only ones competing for alumni’s attention. According to the 2020 VAESE (Voluntary Alumni Engagement in Support of Education) Alumni Relations Benchmarking Study, the top roadblock to increasing the number of involved alumni is “Too much competition for the attention of your alumni”. The third most common reason for the inability to engage alumni is “Lack compelling, relevant value for alumni.”

So, what can you do to make alumni events more engaging, exciting and valuable to your alumni? Why not add some Sustainable Swag® products! As we’ve said it before, people love receiving promotional products. Consumers also value quality over quantity and prefer getting products from eco brands; items that are sustainably and locally made. You also don’t need a large budget to add some swag to your events. Here are a few Sustainable Swag® suggestions to get you started, no matter your budget.

LOW BUDGET

1. Cork Ballpoint Pen – a small, but mighty item whose unique look is sure to catch your alumni’s attention. This pen’s barrel is made from 80% natural cork and 20% paper while the remaining base pen materials are made with 30% recycled wheat husk. The smooth cork provides a comfortable soft grip, while the SureWrite™ low-lead ink flows smoothly for the ultimate writing experience. These are easy to give out and will add some pizzazz to any type of event.

2.Econscious Hemp Pouch – Zippered pouches—they’re so useful! Whether you’re traveling on a business trip and need to store your cables, attending a fancy event and need to bring your toiletries, or you’re running daily errands and need to keep your kid’s toys nicely contained (is there such a thing??), a zippered pouch is always needed. This one is made of 55% hemp, 45% cotton with a contrast zipper, self-fabric loop and a hemp flag tag. It measures 9" wide x 7" high so it’s easy to stash anywhere. The natural color of the hemp/cotton blend creates an ideal neutral canvas for your university’s colorful logo. The pouch is also manufactured in a SEDEX SMETA audited factory, which uses 30% renewable energy—a great conversation starter at alumni events!

MEDIUM BUDGET

1. Pint or Beer Glass – If sporting events are a big part of campus life, it’s likely that alumni are still cheering on their favorite team. So, if your alumni are returning to campus for any type of alumni event or even a current sports game, welcome them back with a fun giveaway. This glass Stafford beer stein is the ideal size for your favorite beer, but also for water or other non-alcoholic fizzy drinks. It features a cut bottom base and a strong handle for traditional appeal. Your organization’s logo will be beautifully displayed by the deep hand engraving that will shine for years to come! Alternatively, you can gift this tall and tapered Wilmington Beer Glass that’s also hand engraved and made from reusable glass—sturdy and non-toxic.

2. Unisex 100% Organic Cotton Classic Short-Sleeve T-Shirt – you can never go wrong with gifting a classic T-shirt. It’s the third most common promotional product you can find in a US home. Except most are made with virgin polyester or conventional cotton, both of which are bad for the environment. If you are looking for an eco-friendly wardrobe option, check out this short-sleeve T-shirt made of 5.5 oz. of 100% certified organic ringspun cotton, from ecoscious. It features a cotton rib neck, a shoulder seam clean-finished with self-fabric tape, sideseam construction and double-needle coverstitched seams. Your younger alumni, who may be more conscious of climate change, will appreciate the eco alternative!

LARGE BUDGET

1. Award – Hosting an event and celebrating your alumni is a great way to recognize their accomplishments and keep them engaged. One way to do this is to give out awards. And although digital awards (gift cards, etc.) can be beneficial, there is something magical about receiving a physical award—and what a perfect opportunity for that Oscar-worthy speech. But plastic won’t cut it here. Not only is it bad for the environment, it usually doesn’t look refined. Instead, opt for an award made of custom-blown glass and crafted right here in the USA, or a more rustic eco-conscious award made with a recycled sand etched glass tile on a lasered bamboo or beetle pine panel—also made in the USA!

2. tentree Organic Cotton Juniper Blanket – another necessary home staple, especially for those alumni with kids, are multi-functional blankets like this tentree blanket. Made from 100% Organic Cotton, this blanket measure 60" x 60" unfolded and 14" x 14" folded—perfect for traveling! Use it by the fireplace, take it to the park or beach, wrap your baby in their stroller—the possibilities are endless. The nature graphic adds an extra touch of eco coziness. Through a partnership with 1% For The Planet, one percent of sales of this will be donated to nonprofits dedicated to protecting the planet.

Through eco-conscious swag initiatives and giveaways, we hope you can increase your alumni engagement and provide unparalleled value to your alumni, so they can keep coming back for more year after year.