Walking the Talk: ASG’s Sustainable Philosophy and Practices

Acorn Sign Graphics actively integrates a philosophy and practice of environmental responsibility throughout all departments of our company. Being environmentally responsible starts with maintaining a "green" attitude - being curious and committed to thinking with a sustainable mind set. This attitude grows by collaborating with vendors and clients to learn more about eco-friendly solutions and is sustained by sharing this learning to expand the opportunities to implement green friendly sign solutions and company practices.

Here are a few examples of how we walk the talk to reduce, reuse, and recycle at ASG.

ASG Green Team: ASG associates meet regularly to discuss continuous improvements to our green initiatives. The all volunteer team explores both product ideas and ways our own company can be more environmentally conscious. For example, the Green Team initiated a recycling dumpster service for ASG and they are the cheerleaders for green at ASG.

ASG Location: we have a centralized location to promote reduced fuel usage. We are also located on the bus line to make employee access easier for bus riders and bikers.

ASG Office Furnishings: our furniture is made up of 80% recycled/reused desks, chairs, and showroom display fixtures. We also have refurbished office cubicles with fabric panels of recycled content and have performed renovations using low VOC paint.

ASG Recycling: ASG recycles nearly 100% of our aluminum, plastic, wood and paper. We recycle all discarded aluminum signs and aluminum scrap from production processes and recycle cast metal plaques from logo changes or relocation de-installations. We also use a shop cloth service instead of throw-away products. We asked our acrylic vendor for a regular recycling program, and now fill our Gaylord recycling bin instead of the landfill. Something else that's cool: We donate non-recyclable materials that are kid friendly to the Children’s Museum of Richmond for use in their art studio.

ASG Energy Efficiency: we have changed to electronic ballasts for better energy efficiency. We also use florescent bulbs where possible, have lights off practices and timers on switches, and put our computers on sleep mode when not in use. Our industrial air filtration system provides better indoor air quality and heating and cooling efficiencies. Our lean manufacturing processes also reduce waste and energy loss.

ASG Shipping: we reuse shipping boxes and containers and create packing materials of recycled content.

ASG Water Conservation: exterior landscaping incorporates large boulders to reduce the planted area.

ASG Paper Reduction: fully electronic databases and networked computers enable us to reduce paper usage by about 40%. We achieved an almost 70% reduction in outgoing and incoming facsimile transfers by sending and receiving electronic files through email. Our goal is to go paperless in our production centers by 2010.

ASG Janitorial Services: we use green cleaning supplies and recycled paper products.

ASG Manufacturing Practices: lean manufacturing practices include nesting programs for digital printing, engraving and routing to reduce material waste. We also have partnerships with suppliers offering sustainable practices and recyclable products and documenting the use of recycled content in their products (such as acrylics and cast metals).

ASG Sustainable Design Consulting: we give informal educational programs to architects and interior designers about green signage solutions. And we offer advice and suggestions to all our interested customers about affordable and appropriate ways to “go green” with their sign projects. We also maintain a library of green products.

ASG Continuing Education: we are committed to learning about the newest environmentally-friendly sign manufacturing practices and materials. To stay on the cutting edge of innovation, we participate in the James River Green Building Council, stay updated through www.virid.us ( a green networking site), and attend SEGD conferences on sustainable environmental graphic design.