April 13, 2010 – In a global initiative encouraging consumers to reduce their environmental impact, Starbucks has announced its new green project,The Big Picture, with a free coffee offer and a symbolic film.

For the launch of The Big Picture campaign, Starbucks will provide free coffee on April 15^th in participating stores to consumers who bring their own reusable container.  Starbucks.com has also released a short film featuring thousands of New Yorkers trading in their paper cups for reusable travel mugs.  With each full coffee cup added to the sidewalk, a design begins to take shape.  The finale reveals an aerial mural of a sequoia tree, shaded by various levels of creamer.

With the catch phrase “One person switching can save trees.  Together we can save forests”, Starbucks Big Picture initiative aims to communicate with consumers about how individual actions are important to collective efforts in reducing environmental impacts.  The Big Picture website features a “Make the Pledge” section, as well as a “Calculate Impact” section powered by the Environmental Defense Fund.  So far, Starbucks has acquired over 26,000 pledges.

Although the company has been offering reusable mug discounts since 1985, Starbucks’ goal is to ensure 100 percent of its cups are reusable or recyclable by 2015.  “While our cup has become an integral part of the coffeehouse experience over the years,” says VP of Global Responsibility Ben Packard “it has also become an environmental concern.”

A new solar energy power station being built along Interstate 37 will contain 214,500 thin solar panels like these. Photo courtesy of First Solar

CPS Energy takes a major leap toward its goal of 20 percent peak power coming from renewable sources, now that a South Side solar energy project is starting its construction phase.

The new project, called Blue Wing Solar Project, will have 214,500 solar panels and produce a 14 megawatt power station near the crossroads of Interstate 37 South and U.S. 181 South. Subcontractors broke ground on the project in March.

http://www.mysanantonio.com/community/southside/the_southside_reporter/South_Side_getting_one_of_the_nations_largest_solar_projects.html

I actually have 3 caches on my desk, ready for hiding – I absolutely love getting out and exploring, searching for treasure.  Even if it’s just a small piece of paper to sign saying we were there!

Check out Debi’s writings just about everywhere – follow her on Twitter, @MomOnMars, or check out her website SABusyKids.com.

The BMPR!

One of the fastest growing meetings in San Antonio. Dec 10th is the next meeting:

Social Media Breakfast

:

Wednesday, December 16 from 7:30am – 9:00am (CST)
Madhatters Tea
320 Beauregard Street
San Antonio TX

Green Christmas

The Eco-Couture Fashion Show Event:

Date & Time: Thursday, December 17, 2009 @ 7:00pm

Venue: Pearl Brewery Full Goods Studio Warehouse

(Located on the historic Pearl Brewery Grounds)
312 Pearl Parkway San Antonio, TX 78215

Click here for announcement!

Social Media Club

Tuesday, December 15
5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
The Westin La Cantera Resort
Meet at Tio’s Lobby Lounge for a Legendary Holidays tour complete with real snow. Holiday party to follow with complimentary “Farm to Glass” holiday cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres. Party is limited to 35 people so RSVP now!
RSVP: http://bit.ly/smcsadec09

Check with LivingGreenSA for news on the local eco scene.

One of my favorite comments about the #bmpr meeting – not because I also received one, but because it shows how a company really invests in it’s customers:

Holiday Inn SA also won a SAWS award for water conservation, and even grows herbs on site for their kitchen! (more info and pics on that later)

Edit:  Here’s an article about their water recycling efforts

Definitely worth a visit, and I scored major brownie points from @PromoPaula for bringing home a hotel stay.

I unfortunately arrived late (I hate that!), but I managed to catch Michael Long finishing up his Animoto and Twubs presentation.  Michael uses Animoto to create videos for the Red Shoe Project.  After Michael was Nathan Roach, who specializes in intellectual property litigation, and spoke about Creative Commons licensing.   I also got to listen to Laura Lorek,  the Senior Writer and tech reporter for San Antonio Express-News – Laura spoke about free content, and even gave away copies of Chris Anderson’s book “Free: The Future of a Radical Price” to some lucky attendees! (Get it here for free!)   Nan Palmero, who is now partner of Sales by 5, (congrats!) gave a quick rundown on some great tools for image manipulation, and was the target of many #nanlovesunicorns comments on the big screen!  The audience was filled with bankers, writers, non-profits, graphic artists, and a specialty advertising guy. 

I try to attend as many of these functions as possible, and today’s meeting was an excellent example of why – lots of San Antonio media ‘movers and shakers’, but these are the folks that bring tons of experience and knowledge to the local social media and business arena.  If you aren’t following them on Twitter (or online at all), the you are doing yourself a great disservice!  You may find your name on the big screen.  Or meet new customers, mentors, or friends.  Or get a chance to win a great gift (@HolidayInnSA gave away hotel stays to EVERYONE!).  Or all of these things!

And don’t forget to sign up for the Magi Real Estate Services office space giveaway – a $68,000 value!

BMPR USTREAM!

Backcountry Edge, Inc. is a family owned operation located in Pennsylvania’s Susquehanna Valley. We’re a rapidly growing company specializing in quality hiking and backpacking gear. We’ve built our reputation on the highest standards of honesty and integrity. At Backcountry Edge, we take great pride in providing our customers with outstanding service.

Check out their site for your new gear!

George
www.promo-sa.com
www.network-sa.com

Suppliers will operate the solar power plants and sell the electrical output to CPS Energy.  Wind Energy suppliers already do this.  CPS Energy ranks #1 wind energy capacity!

Read more about the solar initiative here, in their newsletter “Energy Connection.”

George
www.promo-sa.com
www.network-sa.com

Interested in saving electricity?  What about giving CPS remote access of your thermostat during peak times, to cycle your compressor off for short periods?

CPS has a program that does both – with a Peak Saver thermostats, you will retain full control over your programming and CPS will have remote access to turn off the compressor.  It’s free, and you don’t have to install it!  AND you can access and adjust it anywhere, online.

You can view more information on the program at CPS Energy’s website, and even apply online.  They have instructional videos to help you learn how to use the new thermostats.  The first 500 customers to install a Peak Saver thermostat by January 31st will receive a $20 HEB gift card!

George
www.promo-sa.com
www.network-sa.com