You can't browse through a store without coming across words like "organic," "recyclable," and "eco-friendly." And "going green" is the biggest buzzword of them all. When it comes to projecting a caring, socially responsible image, you've got to be as green as you can.

In addition to doing your part to save the planet, you'll be improving your bottom lines. There are numerous benefits to running an eco-friendly business, not the least of which is a boost in sales. Of all the many ways you can go green, handing out eco-friendly promotional products is probably the easiest.

Let's start with your customers. Giving out earth-friendly freebies will knock their socks off. Why? Here are some of the reasons eco-friendly giveaways will promote brand loyalty:

• Using eco-friendly products makes people feel good about themselves. If you make a customer feel good, they'll keep coming back.

• A customer who's concerned about the environment will give a lot of weight to environmental responsibility when choosing which business to patronize.

• Handing out eco-friendly promotional products sends the message that you're a progressive thinker. Customers like businesses that are tuned into what they care about.

• At trade shows and other big events, giving away a promotional product made from recycled materials will help you stand out. A product like the Recycled Cardboard Jotter is affordable enough to hand out generously at trade shows. Your unique giveaways will make a lasting impression.

In addition to customer retention, doing your part as a business just plain makes you feel good. Something as simple as an eco-friendly promotional product can show others that it's easy to be green. For instance, have your employees carry an Eco 51% Post Consumer Recycled Business Brief to show their colleagues that eco-friendly promotional products are attractive and appropriate for professional settings.

Purchasing promotional products from sellers that offer eco-friendly options is beneficial in and of itself. Profits drive business, and when it becomes profitable to sell green products, other businesses will do it as well. For example, before you know it, all promotional tote bags will be as earth-friendly as the 100% Post Consumer Recycled Deluxe Tote Bag.

You'll also be setting a positive example for other businesses. Companies that pave the way into new territory are highly respected within the business community. Your competitors will have to follow suit with their own eco-friendly promotional products to keep up with your image. You'll be creating a long-lasting ripple effect.

Small changes make a big difference, not just for the environment but also for your image. When you go green, you see green. Help your business and the planet by opting for eco-friendly promotional products.