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Expert Guide by Will Pettinato

Sustainability in Outdoor Advertising: Eco-Friendly Billboards

From solar-powered digital screens to recyclable materials and air-purifying billboards, the out-of-home industry is embracing green practices. Discover how to make your billboard campaigns sustainable.

Why Sustainable Billboards Matter

Consumer Expectations

A majority of consumers prefer companies that demonstrate environmental responsibility. Eco-friendly ads build trust and goodwill.

Environmental Impact

OOH already emits less carbon per impression than any other major media. Newer DOOH tech makes that margin even better by eliminating printing emissions.

Regulatory Trends

Many cities encourage greener signage. Using energy-efficient designs can expedite approvals and permits.

Source: OAAA Sustainability Initiative

Green Materials & Production

One of the simplest ways to create an eco-friendly billboard is to change the materials – moving away from PVC vinyl to sustainable alternatives. Learn more about digital vs traditional billboards to understand material differences.

Biodegradable Posters

Recyclable paper or fabric posters that naturally break down, drastically reducing landfill waste.

Upcycled Structures

Repurposing old materials – reclaimed wood or metal for frames. Expired vinyl becomes tote bags or tarps.

Eco-Friendly Inks

Non-solvent, vegetable-based inks avoid toxic chemicals and make posters more easily recyclable.

Energy Efficiency: Solar & Low-Energy

LED Lighting

Replacing halogen floodlights with LEDs cuts energy use by up to 80%.

Smart Controls

Timers, dimmers, and motion sensors automatically adjust brightness based on conditions.

Solar-Powered

Billboards running entirely on solar panels and battery storage – the ultimate goal.

Real-World Example

Coca-Cola created a living billboard in the Philippines made of plants – advertising their recycling campaign while absorbing CO₂ and releasing oxygen. The structure held dozens of Fukien tea plants, turning a billboard into a small vertical forest patch.

Innovative Eco-Friendly Campaigns

McDonald's "Bee Board" in Sweden

McDonald's transformed billboard structures into birdhouse-like habitats for wild bees, providing shelter for pollinators while still displaying ads.

Britannia's Nature-Shaped Billboards

Billboards designed around existing trees, with text bending around the tree's shape. All prints were on biodegradable cotton, harmonizing with the environment.

Air-Purifying Billboards

Engineers in Peru developed a billboard that filters pollutants, reportedly purifying around 100,000 cubic meters of air per day – doing the work of hundreds of trees.

Making Your Campaign Green

Choose digital billboards or PVC-free recyclable materials

Inquire about renewable energy or green power credits

Schedule brightest content during peak renewable energy times

Partner with organizations that recycle old billboard vinyl

Highlight your green message – let people know!

Ready to Make Your Mark with Green Advertising?

EasyBillboard can help you launch eco-friendly billboard campaigns – from selecting sustainable materials to choosing energy-efficient digital networks.

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