MNN - Mother Nature Network

 

The environmental movement may not be able to produce results when it comes to green policy, but it sure does create some great marketing campaigns.

 

As the New England Patriots trounced the Pittsburgh Steelers on NBC on Sunday night, it was hard not to notice the green peacock logo on screen throughout the game. NBC used the football game to kick off its fourth annual Green Week, when the network features a heavy dose of environmentally minded programming through Nov. 21

 

The motives behind Green Week have been a hot topic since NBC first began the programming strategy in 2007. No matter how you feel about it, you have to acknowledge the network comes up with some interesting content. Even the “Millionaire Matchmaker” — a show on Bravo (part of the NBC family) in which single millionaires are set up on dates — features an episode with “a 39-year-old gay millionaire who owns an all-organic sportswear line.” A separate millionaire match includes a woman who runs a green events company.

 

Even the soap operas get in on the action. "Day of Our Lives" has perhaps the most contrived green plotline. The tease for the Nov. 15 segment says, “Chloe (a new mom) will get a visit from her friend, Philip, who brings a gift of eco-friendly organic diapers.” I don’t know what that means, but I’m willing to bet it will get your heart pounding.

 

It's certainly fun to poke at element of Green Week, but the promotion does provide an opportunity for some serious energy coverage. MSNBC's "Morning Joe" will be doing reports each morning on alternative energy. At night, NBC Nightly News’ environmental reporter, Anne Thompson, will be reporting from around the country on aquaphonics, hydraulic fracking, Detroit’s car industry and hybrid vehicles. Those reports are only a few if the Nightly News’ green highlights for the week. MNN’s Michael d’Estries recently wrote about NBC getting a rare interview with Prince Charles that will air on Nov. 19. d’Estries also writes that NBC will air an hour-long special on Prince Charles’ efforts to fight climate change after the interview.

 

That’s a packed week for the green peacock. The real question is, if they do reruns this week, does that count as recycling?