Facebook has a number of green applications...

We are all aware that Facebook apps are on the rise…but while some fail – others flourish.  In general, a Facebook app must offer the user some sort of benefit, be useful, and be maintained to remain active and profitable.

The problem lies in figuring out what users want, what will go viral and how to accomplish those goals.  Many of the green applications I ran into were just “here are some eco-friendly ideas” apps; but some are much more, getting the word out and making some serious money for good causes.

(Lil) Green Patch

I’ve spoken about Lil Green Patch previously.  According to the application page, Lil Green Patch has 5,034,650 monthly active users.  Lil Green Patch has sponsors that dedicate money to rainforests as a person uses this application.  As far as I can tell, this is the most successful of all the green apps.

Greenback Search

Greenback Search promotes just that, Greenback Search—a search engine that gives money to green causes for every search performed.  Greenback is powered by Yahoo – so you will get the same “good” results you are used to.  I actually wished more people used this—it is pretty effortless.  The app is growing, but there are currently only about 8 monthly active users.

HGTV Green Home Giveaway Sweepstakes

This was pretty cool, although I had no clue it was happening.  To get the word out, HGTV was giving away a 2009 Green Home and a new 2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid.  This package totals $750,000.  Not bad.  The sweepstakes are over, but they still have 10,758 monthly active users.

Save the Planet

Save the Planet also donates money to charity –your money.  It relies on small donations by its users.  Causes include ending world hunger, fighting global warming, saving the rainforest, feeding rescued animals and about 10 others.  Small donations add up and with this many causes to donate to, they better add up.  There are currently 233,003 monthly active users.

Carbon Offsets Game

For ever quiz question that is answered correctly, the Carbon Offsets Game will donate money.  That’s pretty cool as far as I’m concerned.  Carbon Offsets has 79 monthly active users.

Green Guide Tip of the Week

While there are no kind of donations here and there are quite a few apps that offer tips for green living, I wanted to point out this one because it was developed by a pretty big name, National Geographic.  It’s just another way for National Geographic to get in front of people.  Well played.  This currently has 37 monthly active users.  Unlike some of the other apps, this one must be kept up-to-date by the developers or “tips” get stale and you can expect users to drop the app.

Did I miss a good green Facebook app?  Let me know.

(Lil) Green Patch is a Facebook Application that allows its users to build a virtual garden.  Friends exchange various virtual plants and cartoon characters that bring the garden to life.  Oh, and it also saves the rainforest.

One 31-year-old has saved 133 square feet of rainforest to date.  A portion of the ad revenue generate by the game goes to The Nature Conservancy.  But with Facebook apps and social media on the rise, is there a recipe for success.  The (Lil) Green Patch game has generated $162,150 in a little over a year.

Donation Apps have seen varying success on Facebook, but the (Lil) Green Patch game appears to have found a niche – add it to your profile and help Mother Earth.

View the (Lil) Green Patch Facebook App
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