Visibility of Participation in Apartments

I am wondering what folks on this forum might say regarding the use of vinyl window decals to generate awareness or support for an issue, etc. My first thought is that vinyl decals are non-recycleable and maybe not a good idea. I would be interested to hear comments and thoughts.

lesa johnston
Outdoor Education Coordinator
CA Department of Fish and Game
United States

We have used the decals to promote our commercial recycling program in businesses, much the way the BBB does and we are considering revitalizing this program next year. I think people are more likely to use vinyl window decals than stickers and as long as the issue is long term, they will remain relevant for a long time.

Michelle Balz
Community Outreach Coordinator
Hamilton County Enviromental Services
United States
www.hamiltoncountyrecycles.org

We used a window decal that has a small amount of vinyl in the content to promote our Bring Your Own Bag campaign. We tried other less toxic options for an electro-static decal but none of them worked very well. While we were loathe to use vinyl, we opted for efficiency over content.

Wanda Redic
Recycling Specialist
City of Oakland
United States
www.oaklandrecycles.com

Hi, Lesa.

We also use a vinyl static decal to help raise visibility for the Plant ES Natives campaign on Virginia's Eastern Shore. During our pre-campaign research, this handout idea was proposed and met with enthusiasm by representatives of our target audiences. They can be used in any window, e.g. the doors of garden centers and they disappear quickly from the table during campaign exhibits. They certainly appear to be a popular alternative to a bumper sticker and are very affordable in large quantities. And for a long-term social marketing program they have a timeless appeal. Our decal includes just the campaign logo, slogan and website.

Virginia Witmer
Outreach Coordinator
Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program
United States
www.deq.virginia.gov/coastal/

one writer said "We tried other less toxic options for an electro-static decal but none of them worked very well. While we were loathe to use vinyl, we opted for efficiency over content."
This is perhaps a reasonable decision, but it illustrates the problems inherent in trying to get people to adopt "green solutions." They involve behavior change-a challenge in itself, and may require accepting less than optimum short term outcomes.

Mel Tremper
United States