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Recycle, Reuse, or Re-purpose your old campaign signs

Posted on August 31st, 2010 by Sulaiman

Sobuka’s Campaign Platform: Let’s Recycle, Reuse or Re-purpose old campaign signs and stop spending money to pollute the environment

If you didn’t know already, this year (2010) is an election year which explains the numerous campaign signs around town and along the highways with names of candidates you never heard of. I know we all can become overly preoccupied with which candidate to vote for, however, we must not forget about the environment. The truth of the matter is, most homeowners who are uninformed will put their campaign signs in one place after the election, “the garbage”. Therefore, Sobuka is encouraging all candidates for political office as well as citizens to recycle campaign signs at the end of the election process instead of tossing them in the garbage.

The important thing is, when we recycle materials such as campaign signs, it keeps waste out of landfills and allows for the reuse of materials. Recycling campaign signs not only saves space at landfills, each ton of recycled paper saves 17 trees and 7,000 gallons of water. Recycled paper also uses 60 percent less energy in comparison to new paper and generates 95 percent less air pollution.

Now that you are “informed”, I know you’re excited and want to jump into action, so here’s how you can be part of the solution instead of the problem.

What should a person do with a campaign sign after the election is over?

The environmentally friendly thing we all can do with old campaign signs is to RECYCLE, REUSE, or RE-PURPOSE.

Recycle

Broken down corrugated plastic, cardboard signs and metal stakes can be placed into your curbside recycling blue cart. Campaign signs must be free of staples, metal or wood posts and tape.

Small wood stakes can be recycled with green waste in counties that have green carts. Drop off small or large corrugated plastic and cardboard signs at the various Recycling Center that take plastic and cardboard. Wood signs and wood frame/stakes can be recycled at centers that take wood.

If you have wire frames made of steel or aluminum the metal can be recycled. Standard “H” stakes weigh about .43 lbs which is equal to 12 empty aluminum cans.

To find a recycling center in your area please visit Earth911 which is a website where you can search for local recycling centers by entering your zip code. You can also call 1-800-CLEANUP for recycling information in your state.

Reuse or Re-purpose

Old campaign signs can be turned inside out and written on with markers to make new signs for different occasions such as parties, garage sales or you can even make your own sign supporting your church or charity.

Unfortunately, bag signs are not as easy to reuse, but it’s possible. Turn the bag inside out and you can make your new sign. They are a little tricky to write on, but a thick black marker works well. The bag signs can be put into the recycling bins of most municipal collection operations, so that’s another option.

If you have a corrugated plastic campaign sign, you can paint over it next time you have a wet paint roller out to cover up the political information. Then you’ll be able to make it a sale sign or other sign you need in the future.

Metal “H” Stakes are also good for holding up plants. Just step the stake into the ground and you’ve got the support for your plant. They work great for ivy and tomatoes. You can cut the steel wire at the corners and use them in the future. This is very good material, so it shouldn’t be thrown away.

If you’re going to keep the steel wire wickets, they should be properly stored. First, wipe the wicket off with a damp cloth. This will remove dirt that sticks to the wire. Then, store the wire in a place where it won’t get wet. Otherwise, you’ll have a rusty rod that won’t be much good. The steel wickets can also be used to hold up and grow plants as well.

If you don’t find any of these suggestions useful you can always return the campaign sign to the candidate’s office. Political candidates are not going to stop ordering campaign signs; they are a vital part of every good political campaign. But, all that material doesn’t need to be wasted. A quick minute of planning, and you can figure out the best use for your old campaign sign.

Don’t forget to vote on September 14th and Remember

Vote

for the Environment by choosing Sobuka for your green needs !!

More green info? Also enjoy some very cool videos at sobukaTV for more emerging green news. Sobuka can also help you find a green contractor in your area. Search with your zip code and also find out which rebates you may qualify for in your area.

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Tags: how to recycle campaign signs, re-purpose campaign signs, Recycle campaign Signs, Reuse campaign signs

This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 31st, 2010 at 3:18 pm and is filed under Environment, Featured Content. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.