Apr 9 2008
A man in Michigan is hoping he's found a creative way to finance a home purchase and help the environment at the same time. Jim Sullivan, of Wyoming, MI, created a Web site called the "MillionPixelGreenMakeOver.com."
The page is broken up into 10,000 100-pixel blocks; Sullivan sells the pixel blocks off for $100 each, which comes out to $1 per pixel. People can use the pixel blocks they buy to display an ad or logo linked to their own site.
"I think this will mostly appeal to businesses who want to enhance their image as being environmentally friendly," Sullivan commented, "especially companies that offer sustainable living products and services to consumers."
And Sullivan believes that over time the pixels will offer good value to advertisers because the Million Pixel Green Make Over page will be kept online for as long as he owns the home he purchases with the funds raised.
Individuals who care about the environment can also purchase pixel blocks. And each pixel block purchaser, whether they be a business or an individual, can have a short message engraved on a brick or tile that will be used in a green home renovation project once the home is purchased.
"Once the home is bought," Sullivan explained, "people will be able to watch the green renovation through videos and blog entries to be featured at the site HomeOffTheGrid.com," where people will also be able to watch Sullivan on Web cams as day to day he attempts to live in an earth-friendly manner as well as catch a glimpse at all those engraved bricks in action through Web cams to be placed throughout the home.
And there will be plenty of advertising/branding opportunities for eco-friendly companies throughout the home, including product placement opportunities for companies who wish to have their product, such as an energy-efficient appliance or a year's supply of some consumable product, featured. Or perhaps a company would like their logo emblazoned on Sullivan's vehicle for all to see at environmental expos he attends or around town as he shops for items needed in the home renovation.
Where will the home be located? Sullivan isn't saying just yet, except that it will be somewhere in west Michigan, because he wants to prove that it is possible to utilize solar energy even in Michigan.
What will he do with any leftover cash should he reach his $1 million target? After covering the costs for the Green Make Over project, Sullivan plans to distribute funds to environmental causes.