Announcing Green Map Icons, Version 3

March arrives amidst great activity at Green Map System. First, a truly global collaboration has been achieved! Version 3 of the Green Map Icons has been completed and released to all of our locally-led projects. Our gratitude to all who took part in our Open Icon Studio, and our thanks to all the experienced Green Mapmakers representing teams in 50 countries who advised and inspired us throughout the multi-year process.

Today, at GreenMap.org/icons, the first of the updated iconography's public resources are available, including charts you can print, a poster and slideshow to view onscreen, even a banner you can add to your website or blog. Over the coming months, innovative and translated icon resources created around the world will be added. And, the first Green Maps utilizing this updated iconography will debut in April! Special thanks to all our Icon Update supporters including Fosters Group Community Grants and the Foundation for Sustainability & Innovation. Kudos to our designer, Risa Ishikawa and project manager Carlos Martinez. More core contributors are credited online.

Icons Honored by the Eco-Vis Challenge!

Along with other honorees, this fresh iconography is included in Eyebeam Art & Technology Center's Feedback exhibit! It opens Thursday March 13, 6-8pm at 540 W. 21 Street in New York, with a closing reception on April 19 at 3pm. Come and pick up a printed copy of our new Icon Poster there. Watch a copy by mail? Let us know.

Green Map System's Superlative Award in America's Giving Challenge!

As described in our most recent newsletters, this competition was based on the number of $10 donations made online during January. We raised $7890 in direct support and received $1500 in prize money from Global Giving, Parade Magazine and Case Foundation. Thanks again for all you do to help Green Map flourish!

With these seed funds, development has begun on an innovative open interactive Green Mapmaking website that will help people worldwide quickly share their own selection of sustainability sites, pathways and resources online. Merging local knowledge, Google Map technology and our award-winning icons, the resulting Green Maps will be viewable from our own and many other websites, starting in mid-2008! Featuring open commentary, green ratings, an 'impacts index' and a variety of multimedia elements, everyone will be able to get involved.

Find out more at GreenMap.org/ggm. If you like what you see, please add your comment now, then vote for our entry in the Netsquared Mashup Challenge starting March 17. You can help us win important technical and financial support for this exciting endeavor!

You'll soon notice our websites running faster thanks to a recent upgrade contributed by pair Networks, our internet provider, which has donated services to Green Map System for several years. We so appreciate their great service, and now, it's carbon neutral! Read more about the greening of pair Networks here!

And in closing - we're seeing signs of spring, so Earth Day is around the corner. If you are looking for ways to involve young people in your community, check out our Energy and Environment Exploration Modules. With support from New York City Environmental Fund, these modules have already been shared with dozens of local teachers and environmental educators and have attracted interest far beyond New York City.

Have a good green month – best wishes to all from Green Map System!