Sustainable SWAG
Branded merchandise or SWAG (Stuff We All Get) is common at UB events. The following guidance will help you order meaningful branded merchandise that enhances your event, while supporting UB’s sustainability goals.
Strategic SWAG
Before placing an order, consider the following questions:
- What is the desired outcome? Start by identifying the message you want to share and how the merchandise will support that goal. Consider whether the item will remain useful or meaningful beyond the event itself.
- Will people value this? Think about what your audience enjoys and needs and look for ways to reflect those interests in a sustainable way. For example, instead of handing out stress balls during finals week, consider offering a meaningful experience such as a free drop-in yoga class.
- Is it functional/useful? Recipients have expressed a desire for useful items when it comes to giveaways. Reusable items such as tote bags and notebooks provide a function for the receiver beyond just being a free gift.
Sustainable SWAG Suggestions
Choose an engaging alternative to physical swag:
- Experiences, training sessions and events that align with your audience’s interests such as tickets to UB events.
- Meals, snacks and refreshments are always appreciated and popular. The easiest solution is to work with our on-campus caterer, Three Pillars Catering.
- Games and interactive activities like trivia, friendly competitions, or hosting a therapy dog visit, which many students appreciate.
Reduce waste and cost by using existing resources:
- Purchase items already available through the UB Bookstore or other retailers.
- Avoid including dates and event names when possible, allowing leftovers to be reused in the future.
Consider raffling off a few high-quality items instead of providing something to every person:
- A signed UB Bulls jersey
- A branded backpack
- A branded houseplant or succulent terrarium
Focus on SWAG that is functional, durable, and local:
- Functional: Coffee mugs, stainless steel water bottles, high-quality pens and notebooks or another product that aligns with your organization’s mission
- Durable: High-quality socks, gloves, reusable dining utensils or tote bags
- Local: Our vendors list includes many local businesses that provide a wide variety of items.
If you want to provide new, branded items to everyone who comes to your table or event, opt for these recyclable items which can be purchased internally through Print Services:
- Stickers
- Bookmarks
- Postcards
- Calendars
- Posters
Avoid plastic trinkets or trendy items that are most likely to end up in landfills:
- Stress toys
- Slap bracelets
- Cheap pens
Eliminating Single-Use Plastics
Effective March 5, 2024, SUNY policy prohibits the purchase of single-use plastic products, including event balloons, cups, bags, straws and water bottles. Please review the full SUNY Single Use Plastics Policy.