What is "green"? Trying to define this buzzword can get complicated. When people ask "what does being green mean?" A response could be "What is the mid-west?" Are Ohio and Oklahoma in the mid-west? The answer is open to interpretation. Defining green in one sentence or catch phrase is impossible. The term encompasses too much information. In the sign business, green means a couple of things. Energy efficiency, recycled materials and indoor air quality are three key areas. Being energy efficient is something we all need to do. Conserving energy reduces the strain on our already overloaded electrical grid and reduces carbon emissions. Ways of cutting back on energy are reducing the amount of energy used and using alternative energy sources to create electricity. Solar power is an effective way to not only cut energy costs, but to reduce electrical labor costs. Illuminated signs can use solar powered lighting using self contained units. They do not need to be wired into an existing or have new electrical lines created. Lighting sources are also becoming more energy efficient. Today's CFL's (compact fluorescents) and LED's (light emitting diodes) require less energy than traditional lighting sources and last much longer. Wind power is also becoming increasingly popular. Cities like Austin and most of Western Texas receive consistent sustained winds; making wind power a viable alternative energy source. As energy conservation becomes more accessible and necessary. Signs will need to incorporate these greener solutions in order to suit client and regulatory needs.Recycled content material can be broken down into two categories, post & pre consumer. Pre-consumer recycled products incorporate manufacturing scraps or leftovers. If the scraps cannot be reused in their intended product, they are sold for other uses. An example of this would be a shoe company buying tire scraps to make their soles. Post consumer recycled content breaks down consumer goods to re-use in another product. An example of this is using recycled plastic soda bottles to make new plastic goods. Many of the acrylics and aluminums used in sign making have recycled content in them. Recycling not only cuts down on the need to extract more natural resources, but it also reduces physical waste. Recently there have been many articles about the plastic trash collections in the world's oceans. Another element of being green is indoor air quality. Many printed sign products release what are known as VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds). VOC's are the product of man made goods off gassing. Synthetic and natural goods off gas, however inhaling synthetic material is detrimental to our health. VOC's can cause respiratory problems and some VOC's are known carcinogens. Low VOC materials can be used in lobby signs, banners and any interior sign. Low VOC signs are great for Hospitals, Schools and Government facilities. The "green" movement is not a fad and is here to stay. Products and companies are conforming to their customers needs and providing green options. At 360 Signs we provide green sign consultation as well as products.