Greening Bumbershoot

Signage

We turn to the tried and true “reduce–reuse–recycle” principles to guide us in addressing our environmental impact of Festival banners. First, we reduce our eco footprint by printing most of the Festival’s new signage locally, using 100% VOC and solvent free inks, on 100% recyclable material. Once signs are used, they get reused. In 2008, nearly 65% of the Festival’s signage was reused from previous years’ stock, nearly doubling the amount of reused signage from 2007.

What happens when they can’t be used anymore? All retired sewable signage is donated to Alchemy Goods, a small local business who recycles the vinyl and mesh into bags and other unique products, keeping it out of our landfills.

Retired signage that isn’t in good enough shape to be turned into Bumbershoot bags, will be reclaimed by the signage provider for use in new products (street bumps and conduit for example).

VOCs

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are man-made compounds that have low solubility and are easily airborne. VOC-free signage is more environmentally friendly by reducing hazardous substances and exposure to those who work with them.

Eco Extra: That “new car smell” and the odor from new synthetic carpeting are signs you’ve been in contact with VOCs. They’re also used and produced in paints and inks as a solvent. VOCs are a common ground-water contaminant and in high concentrations are a known health hazard.

Alchemy Goods

The Seattle company Alchemy Goods turns old bike tire tubes, advertising banners, and seat belt straps into messenger and tote bags. Alchemy Goods works at “turning useless into useful,” and denotes the recycled content percentage (by weight) within the Ag label on every product, a la the periodic table.