SIGNS OF THE TIMES SUSTAINABILITY POLICY

Protecting the environment and reducing our corporate footprint is vitally important to all of us at Signs of the Times. It’s an integral part of our vision statement.

We commit to be in compliance with all municipal, provincial and federal environmental health standards and labour regulations. We will ensure ongoing compliance by:

• Fully meeting the CRD’s environmental regulations and best management practices for print facilities.
• Respecting all environmental and workplace health standards regarding air and water quality as set
  by Health Canada.
• Adhering to safe disposal procedures for all chemicals and waste products.

We will continuously seek opportunities, beyond regulatory compliance, to incorporate pollution prevention and other activities to enhance our sustainability program. We will measure our progress as best we can and review our progress at least annually.

We will implement procedures specifically designed to prevent activities that pose a threat to human health, safety, or the environment.

Signs of the Times supports clean renewable electricy and is proud to be a 100% bullfrogpowered company.  Find out what that means by visiting the Bullfrog Power website at www.bullfrogpower.com. Supporting 100% low-impact renewable electricity is a great way to reduce our carbon footprint.  It also helps grow Canada's green power market and accelerate our country's progress toward becoming a renewable power leader.

Recycling

Our commitment to sustainability started over 20 years ago when we opened our doors. Back in 1989 we were already recycling our plastic waste. In those days that meant shipping our plastics to the nearest recycling facility which was based in Edmonton, Alberta. Today our local recycling companies recycle the majority of our plastics as well as our metals and paper products. Every product used in fabrication and our offices that is recyclable is recycled from printer cartridges to pallets, monitors to batteries, etc.

Printing

Our state of the art printing equipment uses ink from the European market which is years ahead of the North American market in formulation. Our low solvent inks are safe for the earth and our staff because they do not contain carcinogens, reproductive toxins or cyclohexanone. We chose this printing system also due to the inherent lack of waste. Every drop of ink is drained from the reservoir reducing ink wastage and disposal.

Paints & Thinners

We have in house systems for recycling the thinners from our paints. Any paints that are not used are separated mechanically and heated. This process allows us to reuse all of the thinners from the paints and safely dispose of the solids.

Air Quality

Our facility is 100% smoke free. Our paint spray booth is equipped with above standard air circulation equipment.

We also have in place the most effective “air scrubber” on the market which cleans the air from the print area before re-circulating it inside and outside of our building.

Water Quality

No chemicals of any kind are ever poured or flushed into the drains.

Supply Chain

We are constantly asking our suppliers for “greener” materials and they are responding. We offer dozens of environmentally friendly products from biodegradable and organic banners to items produced from sustainable sources like bamboo. We will continue to demand earth friendly products from our suppliers and hold them accountable to our policy. Where possible we purchase only recycled paper or tree-free products for our office use. We use energy efficient light bulbs throughout our facility. We do our best to purchase products for the business locally to reduce our reliance on petroleum products and support our local economy. Where possible we batch deliveries so that we reduce our gas consumption.

Becoming Carbon Neutral

As part of our sustainability policy, we support the “Tree Canada Foundation”. The Canadian tree-planting and care program offered by this non-profit group aims to reduce greenhouse gases for the benefit of all future generations while it enriches our country in both rural and urban areas. We also offset 10 tonnes of greenhouse gas annually with contributions that support global projects through Offsetters.ca. Participation in these two outstanding programs as well as being 100% Bullfrog Powered allows us to operate in a carbon neutral position.

We will be held accountable for our actions:

• We will provide staff and partners with the support and resources to follow through on our
  commitments.
• We will measure and monitor our progress toward meeting our commitments.
• We will engage our staff and suppliers in meaningful dialogue to continually improve our efforts and
  our relationships.