Sign of the Times: Greens Reinvent Tradition with Low-Carbon Cardboard Signs
Greener by design, Vancouver Greens’ innovative sign campaign cuts emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional plastic alternatives
VANCOUVER, B.C., SEPTEMBER 22, 2026 — This election, the Vancouver Green Party is doing politics differently. Instead of exclusively relying on conventional plastic campaign signs, the campaign has shifted to recyclable corrugated cardboard signs to reduce waste and lower its environmental footprint.
The shift reflects core Green principles of sustainability and leading by example.
“As Greens we talk about greenhouse gas reduction,” said mayoral candidate Pete Fry, “but we have always felt uncomfortable with the amount of plastic that goes into campaign lawn signs, and we thought we could do better. Cardboard signs are one practical way to reduce waste, lower emissions, and show that every decision matters.”
Internal estimates indicate replacing 1,000 coroplast campaign signs with cardboard can prevent nearly two tonnes of carbon pollution and result in dramatically fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
“Moving from a thousand 8mm coroplast signs to e-flute cardboard is an 80-90% emission reduction,” said Fry, “which is even more dramatic when you consider that most single-use coroplast signs end up at the waste incinerator, while cardboard is fully recyclable.”
The Green cardboard signs are fully recyclable through existing paper recycling streams and are made from a renewable material, whereas coroplast is made from polypropylene plastic, a petroleum-derived material with an embodied carbon footprint.
The new-style Green signs also demonstrate that innovative, lower-impact alternatives are available today for campaigns that can look good and stand up to several weeks outdoors.
“This isn’t just about signs,” said Fry, who formerly worked as a graphic artist and product designer, “it's about challenging the idea that we’ve always done it this way. Innovation, like governance, often starts with simple choices that add up to meaningful change.”
The campaign acknowledges it still has a carbon footprint, as the Greens continue to produce and reuse coroplast signs. However, reducing waste, lowering emissions, and recycling are important steps toward running a campaign that reflects the values it promotes.
Media are invited to visit the Vancouver Greens campaign office to see the new signs.