Green beer? But it’s not Saint Patty’s Day! The beer may not be green, but the conversation is…
We’re all about social networking - these days, Facebook is our distraction of choice. However, it’s even sweeter to find a networking group that’s not ‘virtual,’ but an in-person, face-to-face gathering (and of course, have some drinks in the process to lighten the mood). Green Drinks is bringing environmentally like-minded people together all over the world - currently, there are almost 300 Green Drinks groups in North and South America, Europe, and Asia. Whether it’s for a good green debate, blowing off some green steam, or to mobilize for a cause, we bet you’ll be able to find a chapter in your area.
The story of Green Drinks is almost legend. In 1989, while at a pub (naturally) called the Slug and Lettuce (also, naturally) in Northern London, a biothinker and author named Edwin Datschefski was sitting with several of his green colleagues when he noticed a similarly enviro-minded acquaintance at a nearby table. This friend was sitting with a few of his eco-conscious friends, so they pulled some tables together - and the rest is history.
Green Drinks groups meet monthly, in various locations around cities. Members are encouraged to walk, bike, or use public transportation to get to events, even bring their own cups. Larger groups, such as in Seattle, have their own websites for networking, event details, a job board, and links to member blogs. The New York City chapter boasts over 7,000 members, and their holiday party is boasting organic food, eco-friendly papergoods, and a nontoxic cleanup. The LA chapter has meetings weekly instead of monthly, and their blog features extensive information about local green companies, jobs, and other events. And if anyone makes it to Malta, you’ll have to let us know what their Green Drinks night is like!
If there’s no Green Drinks group in your area and you’d like to start one, send an email to edwin [at] greendrinks [dot] org for information. If anyone is in Panama, let us know and we’ll see about setting one up ourselves!