Just because St. Patrick's Day is over doesn't mean we can't still think green. And while most people think of construction, transportation, energy use or general recycling as the primary ways to go green, there are meaningful steps you can take before you start your next marketing initiative to help protect our planet for future generations.

So with Earth Day right around the corner, why not incorporate some of the environmentally-friendly tactics below into your upcoming marketing efforts?

Happy Earth Day, and Happy Marketing!

Tip of the Month: Environmentally-Friendly Marketing

Instituting environmentally-friendly practices does not mean sacrificing your competitive edge. You can reduce your company's carbon footprint while saving money with these simple, green marketing tactics:

Go Paperless
E-mails and e-newsletters, blogs and social media are great ways to keep in touch with your clients and prospects without using natural resources like trees or generating paper that could wind up in landfills. Best of all, they cost less than traditional printing and direct mail.

Reuse, Reduce, Recycle
When you do produce physical marketing materials like brochures, business cards and trade show displays choose materials and content that will have a long shelf life. Use both sides of the paper and consider printing on recycled material. Even if it costs a little more, the "halo effect" of your brand supporting this important effort may pay off in the long run.

Promotional Giveaways
Fortunately there are more sustainable options than ever in branded promotional items. Some of the latest products include pens and CD cases made out of recycled car parts and water bottles that are biodegradable.

White Space, Why Not?
Believe it or not, graphic design can play a large role in eco-friendly marketing. Try avoiding full bleed designs or graphics that use several colors to minimize resource waste.

Want more tips on how you can integrate sustainable marketing practices into your business? At JigSaw, we can provide you with a marketing communications plan that meets your marketing goals, while keeping the environment in mind.

Find out more about JigSaw's marketing communications services.