Blog of Lowe Moscow

Local bottling makes for greener wine at Waitrose

noreply@blogger.com (Maria Ivanova) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:42:00 +0000

Cutting both costs and carbon emissions, British supermarket Waitrose shipped its new range of ‘Virtue’ wines from Chile in 24,000 liter flexitanks and bottled them in the UK. One tank equals 32,000 bottles—or 16 tons of glass—that no longer need to be shipped. In addition, the bottles used are lightweight and made of 60% recycled material.

Besides reducing carbon emissions, this shipping and distribution method lowers end-to-end production costs by up to 40%. Waitrose claims to be sharing these cost reductions with customers, charging GBP 3.99 per bottle. Currently on offer are a Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon and a Sauvignon/Chardonnay, both from Chile. They’ll be joined by two Californian wines later this season, and Waitrose is looking to further expand the method to other countries it imports wine from.

A green innovation that saves money for both retailers and consumers? Producers and retailers: it’s time to get virtuous ;-)
Source:www.springwise.com

Bobba:a mobile Habbo for users 16 and up

noreply@blogger.com (Maria Ivanova) — Fri, 29 May 2009 08:09:00 +0000

Millions of teens around the globe are already well-acquainted with Habbo, the popular virtual world aimed at those aged 13 to 18. Now Sulake, the Finnish creator of the site, has launched Bobba, a counterpart designed for mobile phone users 16 and older.
Launched into beta last month, Bobba bills itself as a "pocketsize virtual world" that's designed for use on mobile phones. Much as with Habbo, users can create avatars, build and decorate their own virtual surroundings on the site, and meet and interact with other users. More than 11,000 accounts have already been created; supported phones include a variety of models from Nokia, LG, Samsung, Panasonic and Lenovo; support for iPhones and the iPod Touch is coming soon.
Of course, besides enabling virtual product sales within the site, communities like Habbo and Bobba also provide a nicely targeted way for other businesses to meet and interact with particular segments of consumers—much the way Dutch Postbank did when it set up a presence on Habbo. After all, in today's socially networked world, the effectiveness of advertising is limited at best. Instead, companies must reach out to consumers where they naturally spend their time—and for legions of mobile users 16 and over, that just might turn out to be Bobba. One to watch!
Source: www.springwise.com

Talking floral bouquets

noreply@blogger.com (Maria Ivanova) — Mon, 18 May 2009 06:04:00 +0000

Greeting cards that talk or play music have been around for a while now, so it seems natural to see those capabilities extended to the floral bouquet. Sure enough, global florist FTD has just released a line of floral arrangements that deliver a spoken message along with the flowers.

FTD's Say It Your Way line comprises three bouquets that are delivered with a chip-enabled keepsake heart ornament bearing the sender's message. Senders simply record their message by phone after placing their order; instructions are provided on the order confirmation page. For those too shy, Illinois-based FTD can also do the talking with a message that says, "Someone thinks you're special! Enjoy this beautiful bouquet!" Recipients can then play and replay the message at will, even long after the flowers have faded. Available talking bouquets include a mixed rose arrangement for USD 36, mixed tulips for USD 40 and red roses for USD 48.

When it comes to giving gifts, there's no such thing as too much personalization. Provide gift-givers with new ways to put a bit more of themselves into their gifts, and they'll surely "gift" you back! ;-)
Source:springwise.com

YouTube diaries promote New Zealand

noreply@blogger.com (Maria Ivanova) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 06:22:00 +0000

It wasn't long ago that we covered the Best Job in the World contest from Australia's Tourism Queensland, and now another popular destination has appeared on our radar for its own promotional innovation. Specifically, Tourism New Zealand has been using a mobile recording studio to collect international visitors' impressions of the region and then upload them to YouTube.

More than 100,000 people have viewed video "raves" posted on Tourism New Zealand's Have Your Say channel on YouTube, which now includes more than 1,400 clips of travellers from Australia, the US, UK, Japan, Germany, Canada and beyond expressing their thoughts and feelings about the country. The organization kicked off the effort in December as part of its "What Do You Say, UK?" campaign, focused on promoting word-of-mouth endorsements of the region among British travellers. Since then, Tourism New Zealand has been working closely with regional tourism groups along the way as it sent a fully equipped mobile recording studio—set up in a converted shipping container on the back of a 10-tonne flatbed truck—to about 40 towns around the nation. Within minutes of filming, each video diary is edited and posted on unpaid media channels, including the Have Your Say site and Tourism New Zealand’s consumer website; visitors can also post the videos directly onto their Facebook profile pages. The recording studio's mobile effort is scheduled to wrap up at the end of this month, after which time Tourism New Zealand will use select raves in future advertising campaigns.

Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive George Hickton explains: "Social media is used by people from all walks of life to connect with people back home while they are travelling. Add to this that word-of-mouth is one of the most effective marketing tools to promote a destination, and the 100,000 views milestone shows that the [effort] has really proven its worth."

Indeed, the effectiveness of traditional mass-media ads is already debatable during the best of times, but during a recession? The cost of a mobile studio for a few weeks could seem like a bargain! ;-)
Source: www.springwise.com

Lisbon store brings back forgotten favourites

noreply@blogger.com (Maria Ivanova) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 06:18:00 +0000

Taking a firm stand in the face of globalization, A Vida Portuguesa has tracked down Portugal’s unique brands and opened a store dedicated to products that have resisted the urge to keep up with changing times.

At the store, located in a former soap factory in Lisbon’s traditional-yet-hip neighbourhood of Chiado, customers can find over 1,000 products that have maintained their original packaging, that are made by hand, or that represent traditional Portuguese craftsmanship. Soaps, pencils, mugs, jewelry, notebooks, coffee, tea, blankets and even toothpaste—everything on stock holds a fragment of the nation’s collective memory. Some items are widely available and familiar throughout Portugal, while others were almost impossible to find and buy before the store opened.

A Vida Portuguesa appeals both to nostalgic adults delighted to find the brands of their youth, and to younger generations attracted by old-fashioned products and retro packaging that provide an alternative to mainstream brands. It’s a testament, once again, to the enduring appeal of (still) made here, a trend that rewards brands for staying true to their local roots and identity. Time to starting collecting, curating and selling forgotten and enduring favourites in your neck of the woods? And if there's a similar store in your city, please leave a comment and let us know!
Source: www.springwise.com

Online exchange for small business owners

noreply@blogger.com (Maria Ivanova) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 06:14:00 +0000

It seems fair to say that most small business owners are perpetually in search of two things: 1) new customers, and 2) budget-friendly deals. Aiming to help them get both is Bizual, a new online community and B2B exchange aimed specifically at small businesses and freelancers.

Currently in invitation-only beta, Bizual begins by asking members to create at least one offer exclusively for the other members of the site—a discount, a free sample or something else that's not available to the world at large. Other business owners in search of such a product or service can then take advantage of that offer, thereby getting a special deal themselves while providing the offer creator with a new customer. The offers that are voted most popular get elevated to the top of the list, but members can also search by location and keyword; in addition, they can browse or take what the site calls a "lucky dip." Members can leave feedback for each other on the site, and a rating system provides reputation rankings. UK-based Bizual is free to use during its beta period, but will switch to a subscription basis after that time, with account levels ranging from a free package to an unlimited one for about USD 99.

Increasing numbers of consumers are becoming sellsumers every day, as our sister site notes in this month's briefing, making the appeal of a site like Bizual even broader than before. It's a win-win for everyone involved; one to try out or localize for your neck of the woods...?
Source: www.springwise.com

Southhern tea cake: the new cupcake?

noreply@blogger.com (Maria Ivanova) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 06:10:00 +0000

After all the attention cupcakes have received over the last few years, one could say they've had their share of time in the proverbial sun. We covered Fru Fru and Sprinkles back in 2007, but recently we were alerted to a new alternative: Tennessee T-Cakes.

Billed as "the ultimate Southern confection," Tennessee T-Cakes are diminutive delicacies with a big, romantic story behind them. They resemble cupcakes in size and shape, but feature a texture more like that of a brownie and a dusting of powdered sugar in place of the heavy frosting. Available by the box with prices starting at USD 10.95 per dozen, T-Cakes come in four variations—Key Lime, Luscious Lemon, Chocolate Truffle and Original—with Raspberry and crunchy Brittle coming soon. The closely guarded recipe for Tennessee T-Cakes dates back to ante-bellum Tennessee and a young belle's culinary talent—reputed to have won a Civil War captain's heart.

The world will never tire of interesting new desserts, just as it will never tire of a good story to go with them. Need some directed motivation? Find an old or little-remembered delicacy from your own region, upgrade and adapt it to modern tastes, and garnish with some skillful storytelling and a heaping helping of (still) made here appeal. Next, breathe deeply, for you will soon savor the smell of sweet success! ;-)
Source:http://www.springwise.com/

ER service holds a patient 's place in line

noreply@blogger.com (Maria Ivanova) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 18:46:00 +0000

It's all too common for patients to be kept waiting in emergency rooms; the average wait for ER treatment in the United States is estimated at 3.2 hours. Earlier this month, Atlanta-based InQuickER announced the launch of a new service that allows patients with non life-threatening conditions to reduce their waiting time by calling ahead or signing in online.

After preregistering for the service, patients inform their hospital about their injury or illness in order to reserve the first available time slot. In 75 percent of cases, InQuickER users will be seen immediately upon arrival, but if a patient is not seen by a doctor within 15 minutes, InQuickER and the hospital won't charge for the ER visit, diagnostic services, professional fees or supplies. The 'hold-your-place-in-line' service is currently available at three hospitals.

Patients pay USD 24.99 per visit for InQuickER's service—a price that's manageable for most people. By streamlining the check-in process, InQuickER offers both hospitals and patients a way to cut through some of the red tape, saving time and aggravation. One to replicate to other countries and industries?
Source: www.springwise.com

Elevator pitches at thirty thousand feet

noreply@blogger.com (Maria Ivanova) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 18:38:00 +0000

This is inflight entertainment that should appeal to all of our entrepreneurial readers: Virgin Atlantic's recently launched PitchTV. As part of Virgin Atlantic's 25th birthday celebrations, Richard Branson announced a new way to support innovative business plans. Entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to the world in video format, uploading the videos to Virgin's website, where the online community can view and rate their idea.

Videos rotate on a monthly basis, and those with the most votes will be shown on Virgin Atlantic's in-flight entertainment service. The aim is for the airline's business passengers to watch the videos, contacting the entrepreneurs behind the ideas that take their fancy to help them develop the idea. Branson claims it's a unique way of giving the world's top business professionals access to fresh ideas and new ventures.

By playing matchmaker, Virgin gains kudos and recognition without shelling out its own cash for new ventures. One pitch will likely prove the exception to that rule, however, as there's a 'special prize' that has yet to be announced. We can't wait to hear which of our readers will be first to appear inflight...
Source: www.springwise.com

Hotel asks consumers to sell it their furniture

noreply@blogger.com (Maria Ivanova) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 06:41:00 +0000

Dutch hospitality group La Bergère is developing a new hotel in Maastricht, dubbed Hotel X for the time being, and is going to decorate it using furniture and knick-knacks purchased from ordinary consumers.

The underlying concept for Hotel X is described as "style, sex and soup", which—in a nutshell—stands for design, attraction and authenticity. To find unique furniture and nostalgic elements that will create the desired look and atmosphere, Hotel X is calling on people to rummage through their attics, spare rooms and garages, and offer their unused objects for sale. People can upload a picture of the item they'd like to sell, along with a short description and their asking price.

To give a sense of what they're looking for, www.stijlsexensoep.nl shows examples for a wide array of categories, from chairs and tables to art, ceramics, posters, 'collections', boardgames and even plants (cacti, preferably).

While authenticity and nostalgia are design styles that hotels have been adopting for a while, this is an unusually clever way both to find remarkable pieces, and to garner interest in the hotel before it opens. Moreover, by encouraging people to look for cash in the attic, it taps into a very of-the-moment trend that our sister site trendwatching.com calls sellsumers: a recession-induced need for cash is fuelling concepts that help consumers make money instead of just spending it.
Source:www.springwise.com

Cafe doubles as accessible art studio

noreply@blogger.com (Maria Ivanova) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 06:38:00 +0000

Hoping to unleash everyone's inner artist, Vancouver-based Raw Canvas is a creative hybrid: bustling café and full-service art studio.

Besides offering the usual café fare—organic coffee and tea, snacks, comfy couches and wifi, as well as wine, beer and tapas at night—Raw Canvas encourages customers to pick up painting. They can drop in at any time, buy a canvas and just get started in the open studio space that's connected to the café. Raw Canvas provides paints, brushes and all other supplies, and staff members and resident artists are on hand to offer encouragement and tips.

Inspired by popular art jams in Hong Kong, Raw Canvas aims to provide a low-threshold venue where people can come in for a few hours and explore their artistic impulses without committing time or money to a series of classes. With, of course, the added pleasure of a latte or glass of wine. Canvas pricing varies by size, ranging from CDN 40 to CDN 80. If you're a café owner looking to add a new source of revenue to your business, be inspired and get creative!
Source:www.springwise.com

A marketplace for backyard farmers

noreply@blogger.com (Maria Ivanova) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 06:48:00 +0000

Farmers markets have long been providing individuals with a place to purchase fresh produce, but until now there have been limited opportunities for individuals with gardens and fruit trees to distribute their own (leftover) crops.

Portland-based Veggie Trader, which just launched last month, is a kind of online farmers market that connects individual produce sellers, buyers and swappers. The service was started as an effort by foodies on both coasts of the US to help other families eat well, save money and make the most of the environment—all while putting their backyards to work for the benefit of the community. How it works? Registered users post listings describing their excess produce and specify what they’d like to receive in return—food or cash. They can also locate food available nearby, either by entering their zip code or by listing their desired produce in the ‘Wanted’ section, which is organized into categories like vegetables, fruits, nuts, herbs, etc.

As more consumers take up urban and suburban farming, opportunities will grow for facilitators like Veggie Trader. One to set up for crop traders in your part of the world?
Source: www.springwise.com

Virtual jogging through Tokyo

noreply@blogger.com (Maria Ivanova) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 06:41:00 +0000

Just as Helen of Troy's face launched a thousand ships, so one might say Google Maps is inspiring the launch of a thousand new applications. Case in point: Tokyo Jogging, a new mashup of Wii technology and Google Maps that allows users to take a virtual jog through the streets of Tokyo.

Created by software engineer Ryo Katsuma, Tokyo Jogging functions much like Wii Sports Jogging. Users begin by downloading free server software from the site. They then connect their Wiimote to Google Maps' Street View, and hold the Wiimote while jogging in place in front of their computer. Google's Street View guides them along the streets of Tokyo, giving the impression of a brisk jog through the city. A video demonstrates the application in action.

There once was a day where online was on, offline was off, and never the twain did meet. Those days are gone! Today OFF=ON and ON=OFF, as our sister site likes to say, and riches await those who can make the most of the intersection. Read up, be inspired, and start some mashing up of your own!
Source:www.springwise.com

Credit card alternative for teens

noreply@blogger.com (Maria Ivanova) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 13:06:00 +0000

Handing over the car keys to a teen is probably one of the most terrifying acts a parent must perform, but next in line on the anxiety scale is surely handing over a credit card. Aiming to provide a safer alternative, BillMyParents gives parents the power to approve or deny any purchases by their teens before they're made.
Unlike facecard, which we wrote about last summer, BillMyParents is not simply a prepaid shopping card. Rather, it's a payment method that puts control in parents' hands. Teens do their online shopping at a participating online retail website—currently, only gift cards can be purchased, as the service is still being launched. When they check out using BillMyParents, their parents are notified of their requested purchase. Parents who approve of the purchase can then enter their credit card information to complete the transaction; otherwise, they can deny it and their teen will be automatically notified. Children never get access to their parents' credit card information, and control remains squarely in parents' hands.
Offered by San Diego-based Socialwise, BillMyParents charges USD 0.50 per transaction—a small price to pay, one could argue, for a little peace of mind. Currently, however, it's aimed only at US consumers. One to localize for your part of the world?
Source:www.springwise.com

Linking advertisers to consumers selling ad space

noreply@blogger.com (Maria Ivanova) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 06:34:00 +0000

As the internet shifts communication from one-to-many to many-to-many, traditional advertising channels don't pack the punch they once did. Providing a new solution for a new media landscape is Everyday Models, which invites anyone to get paid to rent out aspects of their daily life to advertisers: whether it's their clothes, car, house or online profile.

There's no approval process to be listed with Everyday Models: anyone can register in thirty seconds, helping the service attract its all-important army of advertising space. Once logged in, users list their vital stats and add headshots to their profile. Potential advertisers then use the system's search feature to pick out those with the desired attributes for a particular campaign. Although the service stands out for offering human advertising in everyday situations, its community can also be hired for more traditional activities such as runway modelling.

British student James Brookner developed the idea with photographer Matt Garcia. It's not the first time advertising has become this personal—Brookner and Garcia took their inspiration from someone who turned his forehead into premium ad space, with Jason of I Wear Your Shirt capturing media attention more recently. However, by becoming an intermediary—brokering human ad space rather than offering it themselves—Everyday Models is offering something new and something potentially powerful. Those of you who have read trendwatching.com's latest briefing will no doubt recognize that Everyday Models has jumped into the sellsumers arena, where ordinary consumers are finding innovative ways to bring in some extra cash.
Source:www.springwise.com

Ultra-personal jewelry replicates a wearer's scar

noreply@blogger.com (Maria Ivanova) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 14:29:00 +0000

Tattoos have become a mainstream way for people to create lasting marks of their personalities, style and obsessions. Now, a new company is offering a different type of skin-based memento: one-of-a-kind jewelry that replicates scars acquired in accidents and surgeries.

Launched earlier this year, It's My Scar makes wax renderings based on photos sent in by customers, and creates their highly personal piece of jewelry in 6–8 weeks. Prices range from USD 200–1,500, depending on the metal used and the type of piece requested—bracelet, ring, earrings or necklace.

The idea is to celebrate the meaning that a scar holds for the wearer. It's My Scar's founder created her first piece of scar jewelry based on her own surgery scar, to commemmorate suriving thyroid cancer. The company's motto is 'Claim your past and wear your story', and it encourages customers to share their own stories on the website. It's definitely one of the most meaningful examples of customization we've come across.
Source: www.springwise.com

Office space rented out by the desk

noreply@blogger.com (Maria Ivanova) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 05:49:00 +0000

While remote working is easier than ever, working from home or the nearest Starbucks can quickly lose its appeal. Enter Desk Space Genie, a new website that advertises vacant desk space. The service helps businesses make a bit of money from their unused office space and enables cash-strapped freelancers or other small businesses to become more established.

Desk Space Genie lets space-seeking ‘deskers’ search for a space by postal code or town, contacting the advertisers directly. The site lists vacancies in most major cities around the UK, covering 'all inclusive' desk packages with wifi and other utilities, or more basic 'pay for what you use' services. The site is free to use until 1 May 2009.

Although plenty of general-use classified websites list office space for rent, Desk Space Genie is the first we’ve spotted that’s targeting this niche. Helping others save money and resources, it seems like a timely endeavour. One to create for deskers and desklords in your part of the world?
Source: www.springwise.com

Premium concert tickets come with free love

noreply@blogger.com (Maria Ivanova) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 05:45:00 +0000

Two years ago Prince shook the music industry when he gave away free CDs to fans who purchased either the UK's Mail on Sunday newspaper or tickets to one of his shows. Picking up on that idea, American band No Doubt is doing something similar for those who buy top-tier tickets to one of the concerts in its summer tour.
Rather than just a single CD, however, No Doubt is giving away a free download of its entire digital audio catalogue, comprising more than 80 songs from the band's seven studio albums. Tickets for the tour, which kicks off May 2 in Atlantic City, went on sale earlier this month, and pricing varies with the venue. The free download offer applies only to top-ticket price levels, however—those priced higher than USD 42.50 before applicable ticketing-related fees. In addition to the band's past songs, the download will also include "Stand and Deliver," a brand-new song that will be performed for the first time in May.

There's no doubt the music industry is in transition, as it struggles to find a sustainable new model for the digital-music era. By zeroing in on premium-priced tickets, No Doubt takes Prince's model a notch higher and turns the music into a perk for top-paying fans. Free love is always good, but when it's reserved for your best customers, it can inspire brand love and come right back at you again!
Source: www.springwise.com

Novelty telegram service, $4.70 worldwide

noreply@blogger.com (Maria Ivanova) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 06:54:00 +0000

There's no doubt the internet has transformed the way people communicate; what's less clear is that people are willing to let the old methods disappear. We've already seen companies that transform emails into paper letters; now, an Australian contender has resurrected none other than the classic telegram.

Focusing on the role telegrams have long played as historical records documenting significant events, Telegram Stop provides novelty telegrams with a classic look and feel that's designed for posterity. Users simply type their message online—up to 400 characters are allowed—and then preview the resulting telegram, which includes the traditional "stop" in place of periods. Both domestic and international service is available for a single, set price of USD 4.70; delivery takes 4 to 6 business days.

The more things change, the more they stay the same, as they say—particularly when consumers are willing to pay a price for nostalgia. One to emulate on a niche basis, such as birth announcements or wedding invitations....?
Source: www.springwise.com

Full-service bike station for commuting cyclists

noreply@blogger.com (Maria Ivanova) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 06:35:00 +0000

Since opening last June, Cycle2City has signed up 400 members who have access to secure bike parking, air-conditioned locker rooms, showers, laundry service and free bike maintenance classes at the in-house maintenance and repair workshop. Members are encouraged to commit to using the facilities five days a week (at AUD 120.00 for one month or AUD 660.00 for six months), but three-day-per-week 'permanent casual' memberships and daily use options are also available.

Cycle2City is just one element of Brisbane’s commitment to encouraging citizens to replace driving with cycling—the city’s mayor has also announced that AUD 100 million will be spent on new bikeways over the next four years. As the number of cycling commuters grows around the world, so will the need for products and services that help make a smooth transition from four wheels to two. Bike-loving entrepreneurs—get going!
Source:www.springwise.com

Customised magazine from Lexus,Time & Amex

noreply@blogger.com (Maria Ivanova) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 06:28:00 +0000

Much like the build-your-own-magazine concept from HSBC that we covered last year, a brand-new initiative from Lexus, Time and American Express Publishing is giving consumers a new way to create their own personalised magazine.

Dubbed "mine," the free magazine invites readers to choose editorial content from five of eight select Time and American Express Publishing brands: Time, Sports Illustrated, Food & Wine, Real Simple, Money, InStyle, Golf, and Travel + Leisure. Participants can choose to receive their magazine either in a limited-edition print format or online—some 31,000 copies of each print issue and 200,000 electronic copies are available, and readers receive a new issue every two weeks for 10 weeks. Each issue is 36 pages, with advertising tailored for each recipient based on geographic location and taste, as determined by their answers to four initial questions. Since Lexus's participation is to help mark the launch of its new Lexus 2010 RX, four single-page ads for the vehicle are included in each issue as well. Readers can also receive news and entertainment alerts through a customised widget or mobile application via RSS. The program ends June 15.

In addition to providing yet another illustration of the world's increasing customisability, such an offering could also prove to be an excellent perk to deliver to Lexus customers—as we noted in the HSBC case as well. It's good to give customers free love, but letting them choose what form that love takes is even better. Customisation and perkonomics—go forth and multiply! ;-)
Source:www.springwise.com

Camp for laid-off professionals

noreply@blogger.com (Maria Ivanova) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 07:15:00 +0000

Misery loves company, as the saying goes, but so, too—one could argue—do creative ideas. It should come as no great surprise, then, to see growing numbers of laid-off professionals coming together at newly launched LaidOffCamps to network, brainstorm and find inspiration for the next phase of their careers.

Founded in January, LaidOffCamp organizes free, ad-hoc gatherings of unemployed and nontraditionally employed people—including freelancers and entrepreneurs—who want to share ideas and learn from each other. Sessions at LaidOffCamp meetings address topics such as living on an extreme budget, building a personal brand, how to be a freelance consultant and more. The camps are based on the Bar Camp model in which all attendees participate, and there are no prescheduled presentations. All planning and coordination is done through the LaidOffCamp wiki. The first day-long LaidOffCamp took place earlier this month in donated space in San Francisco, and was reportedly packed to bursting with attendees and potential employers alike. Many more LaidOffCamps are planned, beginning next month in Los Angeles.

Necessity is the mother of invention, to use another oft-repeated saying. It may be rough going these days, but it's also a time of opportunity, both for innovators and for sponsors. Apply free love and/or sympvertising today, and reap the rewards for years to come!
Source:www.springwise.com

Eco-friendly youghurt shop

noreply@blogger.com (Maria Ivanova) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 07:08:00 +0000

Frozen yoghurt is a topic we've already covered on a few different occasions: first the Korean-style frozen yoghurt trend, as exemplified by shops like Pinkberry and Red Mango, and then the arrival of self-serve contender Yogurtland. Now adding further differentiation to the industry is Sno:la, a Beverly Hills-based shop that bills itself as a socially conscious alternative.

Sno:la's shops—it just opened one in Kyoto as well, with another due to launch in Santa Monica soon—are designed to be eco-minded and plastic-free. All containers are biodegradable and compostable, with yoghurt cups made of sugar cane, verrine cups made of corn, and spoons made from wood and potatoes. Sno:la's countertops are crafted from recycled computer chips, and tabletops are based on eucalyptus, a fast-growing and sustainable tree. Wall decorations are made from recycled wood, and the concrete floors are soy-painted. Then too there's Sno:la's support of social causes: It gives 1 percent of its gross proceeds to Slow Food USA, which supports sustainable farming, and 1 percent of proceeds from its Chocolate Cremita flavour to the United Nations World Food Program, which helps children worldwide. All that on top of a range of seasonally flavoured yoghurt treats made with organic dairy products, "sweetened only by nature" and accompanied by a choice of some 40 toppings.

Need further proof that the frozen yoghurt industry is maturing? Red Mango recently launched Club Mango, a loyalty program that rewards customers for their purchases. Make no mistake: the era of differentiation has begun. Something to keep in mind for your own next big, yoghurty venture....?
source: www.springwise.com

Donated site helps families keep their homes

noreply@blogger.com (Maria Ivanova) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 06:55:00 +0000

There's nothing like immediacy and a sense of personal connection to motivate people to help those in need, as charitable organizations like Family-to-Family, Rosa Loves and DonorsChoose.org are increasingly recognizing. Adding to that list, SmallCanBeBig.org is a new, donated venture that aims to make it easy for people to help local families on the verge of losing their homes.

Launched last fall, SmallCanBeBig was formed on the premise that small donations can add up to a big difference for many families on the brink of disaster. The Massachusetts-based organization has partnered with a variety of longstanding charities in the state, and those groups recommend cases where a relatively modest one-time donation could save a family's home—typically situations where a single, urgent payment for mortgage or utilities is needed. Visitors to the site can then browse the stories of the families in need and donate as little as USD 1 toward helping one of them through Google Checkout. The entire amount of any donation goes directly to helping the selected family, and once that family's one-time need is met, its story is removed from the site. Donors, meanwhile, can track their donations online and check back on the status of the families they've helped.

Much like Bushfire Housing—the donated effort we wrote about last month that aims to help the victims of Australia's recent devastating fires—SmallCanBeBig was created an agency. Boston-area Boathouse Group launched the site as a volunteer effort to help those endangered by the current economic crisis. And indeed, given the prevalence of hard times these days, there's no shortage of opportunities for companies to display the corporate generosity that's now expected of them by Generation G. Check out our sister site's briefing on the topic, and start giving back!
Source:www.springwise.com

Helping consumers rent out unused space

noreply@blogger.com (Maria Ivanova) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 15:59:00 +0000

From unused parking spaces to extra beds to arable land suitable for gardening, consumers are increasingly finding new, recession-busting ways to make the most of what they have. While we've covered several examples of marketplaces that focus on one of those sharable assets, we hadn't yet seen Spareground, a UK-based contender that aims to cover them all.

Spareground bills itself as "the one-stop shop for finding somewhere to store your sports equipment, keep your caravan for the winter, park your car, graze your horse, find somewhere to display your art or find somewhere to stay near that sports event or festival." In essence, it's a place to advertise or look for just about any kind of unused space, including accommodations, parking spaces, driveways, garages, storage facilities such as attics or sheds, unused land, spare rooms or car share spaces. The site is free to use by both businesses and individuals, and space is organised by category: property, land, parking, storage or other. Consumers with space to share simply create a listing with its description, location and price; those seeking space search by category or keyword and then contact the owner directly to arrange the terms. "Space wanted" ads are also available.

Launched last summer, ad-supported Spareground hopes to expand beyond the UK in the near future. Given the current economic woes around the globe, it's fairly sure there will be healthy demand. One to get in on early in a market near you...?
Source: www.springwise.com