Branding Together: How Small Sustainability Changes Can Have a Big Impact

Branding Together

It can be easy to slip into negativity when it comes to sustainability in promo. But this Earth Month, Branding Together cohosts Theresa Hegel and Cassie Green talk about the positive progress the print and promo industries have made. From the continuing work in extended producer responsibility efforts to more events and resources, there’s plenty of good to celebrate.

Guest Julie Schneiderman, founder and CEO of EcoStiks, is proof that small sustainability changes pay off big time. From the launch of her recycled sticker patch brand to the “Skip the Lid, Savor the Moment” movement she started, Schneiderman is working hard to change the rhetoric that sustainability “isn’t worth the effort.”

Mentioned in this episode:

Podcast Chapters

6:43: Celebrating wins in sustainability
15:35: Introducing Julie Schneiderman and EcoSticks
24:16: The impact of single-use plastics
30:40: Innovative brand activations and community engagement
33:32: The “Skip the Lid” movement
39:35: Encouraging sustainable practices in the industry
44:50: Fun and personal reflections on change

Key Takeaways

• Simple behavior shifts like “skip the lid” can scale into meaningful environmental impact when adopted collectively.

• Sustainability is no longer a niche. Certifications, education and daily business practices now routinely include sustainability.

• EcoStiks’ origin shows innovation through failure. A product designed for wet suits didn’t work as intended, but pivoted into a versatile sustainable merch solution.

• The promo industry has influence. As a massive relationship-driven space, it can drive large-scale change through collective action and “micro-influencing.”

• Rethinking merch life cycle is key. Brands should consider what happens to products after distribution, including reuse, upcycling and long-term value.

• Experiential marketing is evolving. Live activations that combine art, storytelling and sustainability create deeper, more memorable brand connections.

• The future is collaborative. Breaking down silos across promo, print and apparel will enable more creative, sustainable and impactful solutions.

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