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Oceanopolis, another mini-civilization game, comes to facebook

by: Ben Berry - posted: 10/12/2010 7:20:00 AM
More On: Oceanopolis
Ok, it's gotten to the point where any of the hundreds of civilization games that are published to Facebook aren't really news anymore. But I found this one interesting, so I figured I'd share it. Waste Management, the people that pick up after millions of Americans by hauling away their trash, has a subsidiary WM GreenOps LLC. It has created Oceanopolis, which is a game where you create a series of islands and try to keep them as eco-friendly as possible as your economy expands. Pretty simple, right?

The twist is that unlike the games by other major publishers, the goal isn't to make money with this game, at least not directly from the users pockets. Instead, users earn points for spending in the game by making use of interactive recycling kiosks in the real world to increase and track users recycling habits. Use of these kiosks of course helps Waste Managements bottom line, but it's also good for the environment.

On top of earning game play points, it also allows the user to redeem points for discounts at various retail and food establishments. 

So next time you want to play a time waster on Facebook, you might want to look at Oceanopolis. You'll be having fun, and maybe doing something good for the environment.
Greenopolis, a fast-growing technology platform in the recycling space, today launched Oceanopolis, a Facebook game that rewards people for recycling online and in the community. WM GreenOps, LLC , which owns Greenopolis and is a subsidiary of Waste Management (NYSE: WM), produces interactive recycling kiosks that collect materials in high-traffic locations. Through Oceanopolis, the company is extending its reach into social media by offering a fun gaming experience that educates and rewards users for sustainable living.

The Greenopolis Recycling System provides innovative ways for users to recycle, interact and earn rewards:

• Interactive recycling kiosks, located nationwide, allow users to scan and deposit cans and bottles for recycling
• Users receive points for everything they deposit
• Points are redeemable on greenopolis.com for a variety of discounts or coupons from restaurants, theaters and retail establishments across the country
• Points can also be earned by participating on the Greenopolis website and playing Oceanopolis
• Beyond rewards, the technology allows users to track their behavior and learn about sustainable living through online interaction
• The program’s goal is to use both digital and physical platforms to create awareness and increase recycling

In Oceanopolis, players build a sustainable community comprised of islands, the ocean and their friends’ habitats. Points earned during game-play may be combined with those received through the Greenopolis Recycling Kiosks, as well as with points earned by participating on Greenopolis and its social media channels, including YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter.

Most recyclables collected through the program are handled by Waste Management, which has the most expansive environmental solutions network in the nation with more than 100 recycling facilities. Since launching in 2008, Greenopolis has collected more than four million items and awarded nearly nine million points. With machines appearing at more locations, and the technology spurring user participation, the company is looking to dramatically increase the amount of materials it collects.

"We're excited to open Oceanopolis and introduce a new way for social gamers to become active in the recycling process," said Jeffrey Smith, Sr. Creative Manager of Greenopolis. "Through the Greenopolis Recycling System, we are creating a new approach that makes sustainable living fun, interactive and rewarding for everyone who participates."

"We have a goal to triple the amount of items we recycle by 2020," said Carl Rush, Vice President of Organic Growth, Waste Management. "Oceanopolis will help us reach this goal by integrating new technologies with our established network of recycling facilities."

Oceanopolis, previously in closed beta, is now open for all to play at http://apps.facebook.com/oceanopolis/

For more information visit the Oceanopolis Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/oceanopolis, and the official Greenopolis site at http://www.greenopolis.com.