I’ve seen some pretty sweet lists of holiday gifts and technology doo dads floating around in Realtor blogosphere recently. I thought I would put my spin on it and highlight my “likes” for 2011. Some are pretty and some are geeky but all offer some easy ways to bring sustainability to your business and marketing.
The Pretty
If I have heard it once, I’ve heard it a gazillion times that hand written cards are some kind of wonderful in the world of uber successful Realtors. I struggle with snail mail because of the energy expended both in delivery plus the whole trees getting cut down to make the cards. It just seems a bit hypocritical or at least that’s what I tell myself as to why I don’t do it more. Enter new years resolution #1 plantable greeting cards. The site I have referenced here has all kind of cards, even ones that grow kitchen herbs. It’s a bit pricier but sustainable, original and memorable.
While the term rainwater catchment system isn’t all that sexy and neither are rain barrels for that matter, rain chains are a gorgeous alternative to gutters that can be both stylish and eco-friendly. These little beauties would make a lasting and meaningful closing gift.
TERRACYLE is a cool company that turns discarded items such as juice pouchs and cheese wrappers in to new products like purses, cleaners, and even fences. It’s different from recycling because the products are reused or repurposed without out breaking them down, thereby saving energy.
The Geeky
EPEAT – The Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool offers a grading system for electrionics based on everything from the manufacturing process, to energy usage, and ease of recycling technology once it becomes outdated. Stores such as Amazon and Best Buy now carry products that have been certified by this program. Obviously, Realtors go through lots of technology every year and this is a great opportunity to buy consciously.
Recycle for Charity – This is a win/win business concept I love. There are a variety of companies who offer this service so it’s likely available in your area. The general concept is that they will take old printer cartridges / printers/ fax machines/ cell phones and recycle or refill them. They will pay you for the these products in the form of cash to your designated charity, among them schools or habitat for humanity.
DocuSign – I would be remiss if I didn’t at least mention even though everyone should know about it already. If docusign is not offered by your firm, you can get the Realtor package for $19.99 a month and it will stream line your business.
AG is not affiliated with any company mentioned in this article.
Agent for Movoto
December 9, 2010 at 4:10 pm
oh i LOVE the rain chains. they’re genuinely, objectively gorgeous!
Max Boyko - Team Hybrid
December 18, 2010 at 5:28 pm
Great post, always good to see other green ideas for real estate gifts. Another thing to be consistent with, if you want to save some trees and not send out cards, is do E-Cards. It’s much simpler and you just need to have your clients names and e-mail addresses. You can upload a personal picture or family picture into the card.