Starbucks and Global Green USA have teamed up to encourage individuals to click, play, and learn about global climate change and smart solutions with the launch of Planet Green Game. Through the online game–located at www.planetgreengame.com–players can explore a virtual world and learn how everyday decisions by individuals, cities, schools, and businesses can impact the climate and environment. The game offers real-world examples of how individuals can change their own behavior and also influence the actions of community, political, and corporate leaders to engage in the effort to stop global warming.
“We hope Planet Green Game illuminates the climate issue for players and inspires them to be part of the solution through simple changes to their everyday decisions,” says Ben Packard, director of Environmental Affairs for Starbucks.
“Planet Green Game educates individuals on how they can be part of smart solutions in their own lives–choosing energy efficient products, green building for their homes and more fuel efficient transportation,” says Matt Petersen, president and CEO of Global Green USA, who advised on the content and framework for the game. “Individuals can also join together in urging businesses, cities, schools, and political leaders to take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through green building, clean transportation, and renewable energy.”
In Planet Green Game, players select an avatar (digital character) to explore Evergreen, a fictional city, with six landmarks. Players can choose their mode of transportation and explore these destinations and throughout their journey, learn about environmental factoids and tips that can be incorporated into their daily lives–whether it’s properly servicing a car for improved fuel efficiency or learning techniques to influence local public officials and corporate decision makers.
Two bonus destinations include a virtual movie theater and Starbucks store. At the Planet Green Game movie theater, green short films from the Gen Art online movie festival will be screened 24 hours a day. The virtual Starbucks store will also give players the opportunity to vote on environmental priorities the company should consider focusing on and email feedback that will be shared with members of the Corporate Social Responsibility executive team.
Planet Green Game is the newest addition to several ongoing environmental initiatives at Starbucks. The company is a top purchaser of renewable energy certificates in the United States, offsetting 20 percent of its energy use with 100 percent renewable wind energy. Starbucks stores also incorporate sustainable building components into their design and construction with efficient lighting systems and furniture built from wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. Additionally, the company introduced 10 percent post-consumer recycled fiber hot cups in the U.S. and Canada, which helps reduce the company’s use of virgin wood fibers in its paper supply chain.
