What does "Going Green" really mean?

"Going Green" ... OK, it's today's buzzword. But, what does it mean?

I'm coming to you as a regular guy who has tried to find the answer to this question. While I may not have the politically correct answer, I think I may at least provide some clarification.

"Going Green" is more of a positive impact statement. Let's try to protect the environment by being conscious of the decision we make on a day-to-day basis. I think the most common analogy I can use here is what was once 'paper or plastic?' is now ‘re-usable tote bags or planet killing, non-recycled poly-carbons’

As far as I can figure out, there are really (2) major components to ‘Green”

1) Reduction in the carbon footprint through transporting of goods
2) Use of recycled or recyclable products, which in turn, reduces the carbon footprint.

Moose Displays & Logistics is in the trade show industry. We make displays and graphics and we transport them. We are interested in both production and transport.

There are a few weaker arguments that companies are making claiming that their same old product they have been making for years is lighter than their competitors. Less weight means less to ship, which translates into a smaller carbon footprint and therefore, without any further changes, can be defined as green. I don’t buy it.

Now, creating a lighter weight product by using as much recycled material as possible and using recyclable material for the rest … is a conscience effort to reduce the carbon footprint.

Take our Duffle Display for example. Moose came up with the Duffle Display in early 2003 when “Green” was not much more than a popular paint color and that’s just about it. As the ‘Green Initiative’ started gaining momentum we re-evaluated the Duffle Display, and other products we have to offer, to see how we might be able to contribute.

The Duffle Display could always be considered green. Our initial intent was to reduce the shipping costs for exhibitors. So, we developed a display that ships as baggage on major airlines. What we inadvertently did was eliminate the carbon footprint altogether.

As the enviro-friendly movement started to become politically correct, we looked deeper into the product and discovered we can now use material made from 100% recycled soda bottles to print our graphics using non-solvent based inks and toners. These fabrics use less energy to produce, can match PMS colors and pass California Fire Retardant testing. California Fire Retardant testing is the toughest fire certification in the nation. Our frames, which are not required at most trade shows and events, are made from recyclable aluminum.

There are other ways to use products at trade show events that help the environment. For example, rent your exhibit if at all possible. Rentals allow multiple exhibitors to re-use the same materials at different events. Also, companies can re-cycle and refurbish existing display pieces rather than purchase new ones.

There is a lot you can do to help the environment.

So, the question really is not: “ Is it green?” The question really is: ‘Is it as green as it can be?”

Do your part because if we lose our planet, where will we live?