Years ago, during a campaign I wanted to avoid using plastic yard signs. After looking at various options and what it would take to adequately convey a message on the material, I found burlap bags to be a great alternative, and they turned out to be pretty amazing.
Instead of the usual sheet of 18”x22” white plastic commonly known as coroplast, I used 24”x40” burlap bags for my signs. It wasn’t just about going green; burlap offers tons of repurpose options once a campaign is over. Here are a few cool examples from back then:
Grow Potatoes
One supporter used the bags to grow potatoes for several years before the bag wore out.
School Fun
A local school wanted the reclaimed campaign signs for sack races.
Sports Storage
Another family used their bag sign to store soccer balls and basketballs.
Winter Care
Someone wrapped a tree trunk with the burlap sign to protect it from the cold.
Composting
A couple covered their compost bin with it to keep moisture in.
And the cost? Burlap and coroplast are pretty similar, so there wasn’t a big expense difference. I own basic screen printing equipment so it’s easy enough to produce 50 or a 100 signs in a day or two with volunteers. Plus, while coroplast signs often end up being thrown away or stored with little chance of repurposing, burlap bag signs can be reused in all sorts of creative ways.
Just as I found creative solutions for my campaign, I’m committed to finding innovative ways to address Jefferson County’s challenges and opportunities. I’m looking forward to seeing what other purposes supporters find for burlap bags after the November election.