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An editorial series by Earth Merch exploring circular economy, products and better ways of making things.


Digital Marketing vs Merchandise: Where Does the Real ROI Come From?
A practical look at ROI in digital marketing and branded merchandise, and how sustainable merchandise can complement digital campaigns.
Michelle Crowe
Mar 232 min read


Sustainable Materials in Merchandise: What Actually Matters?
A practical guide to sustainable merchandise materials, recycled promotional products, and how to evaluate eco friendly promotional products beyond greenwashing.
Michelle Crowe
Mar 163 min read


Why Some Promotional Products Are Kept – And Others Are Thrown Away
What makes some branded merchandise last for years while others end up unused? A closer look at emotional durability, design intention, and sustainable promotional products.
Michelle Crowe
Mar 103 min read


Designing for Longevity in a Disposable Economy
Sustainability conversations often centre on overconsumption. We talk about buying less, owning less and producing less. And while consumption patterns matter, focusing solely on behaviour misses something more fundamental: design. Products don’t accidentally become disposable. They are designed that way. The overproduction problem isn’t just about fashion In the fashion industry, the consequences of design decisions are becoming increasingly visible. The mass production of c
Michelle Crowe
Mar 22 min read


Rethinking Cost in Promotional Procurement: A Lifecycle Perspective
For many organisations, promotional merchandise sits in a modest budget category. It’s often event-driven, campaign-specific, and price-sensitive. That’s understandable. But treating merchandise as a short-term, lowest-cost purchase can create long-term inefficiencies - both financially and reputationally. From an industry perspective, I’ve observed a clear pattern: the cheapest unit price rarely delivers the strongest value. The Unit Price Trap Traditional procurement compar
Michelle Crowe
Feb 242 min read


After 7 Years in Promotional Products, Here’s What’s Changing - And Why It Matters
I’ve spent the past seven years in the promotional products industry. In that time, I’ve seen a significant shift - not just in product trends, but in buyer expectations, procurement policies, and the broader conversation around sustainability. Promotional merchandise isn’t disappearing. In fact, in many sectors it’s growing. But what is changing is what people are buying, why they’re buying it, and how those decisions are being evaluated. Here’s what I’m seeing from insid
Michelle Crowe
Feb 193 min read
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